hbl.stx  HC     107.C82F33  1887 

Leading  business  men  of  Fairfield 


3    T153    00mA32D 


GAY  LORD  «G 


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Please 

handle  this  volume 

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The  University  of  Connecticut 
Libraries,  Storrs 


v_ 


LEADING 


Business    Men 


OF 


FAIRFIELD 


COUNTY; 


AND     A 


HISTORICAL  REYIEW  OF  THE  PRINCIPAL  CITIES. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


BOSTON: 

Copyright,  1887,  by 

MERCANTILE    PUBLISHING   COMPANY, 

No.     146    Fra  nk  lin    Street. 

1887. 


PREFACE. 


" Peace  hath  her  victories  no  less  renowned  than  war"  sang  the  poet  centuries 
ago,  and  it  has  told  to  the  inestimable  good  of  mankind  that  the  world  has  been 
coming  to  realize  this  truth  more  and  more.  In  this  historical  and  statistical  review 
of  the  commercial  and  manufacturing  interests  of  Fairfield  County,  it  has  been  our 
purpose  in  as  thorough  a  manner  as  was  possible  to  justly  describe  those  enterprises 
which  have  contributed  so  largely  during  the  last  half  century  to  the  material 
advancement  of  the  city.  History  plainly  shows  that  many  lai'ge  cities  have  owed 
their  prosperity  and  growth  chiefly  to  advantages  of  situation,  great  influx  of  for- 
eign peoples,  and  similar  causes.  Of  Bridgeport  and  the  other  towns  in  this  section 
it  is  preeminently  true  that  the  genius  and  efforts  of  her  own  people,  by  the  single 
process  of  internal  development,  have  brought  about  the  great  measure  of  success 
which  has  rendered  her  name  famous  throughout  the  land.  This  fact,  that  the  his- 
tory of  these  towns  has  practically  been  made  almost  entirely  by  her  business  men, 
lends  peculiar  significance  to  the  close  juxtaposition  in  which  the  account  of  her 
general  and  business  interests  are  here  placed.  The  same  influences  and  results 
which  are  so  strikingly  characteristic  of  Bridgeport  itself,  will  also  be  found  to  a 
marked  degree^in  the  historical  and  business  accounts  of  the  other  enterprising  cities 
and  towns  of  Fairfield  County.  If,  in  the  compilation  of  so  large  an  amount  of 
statistical  matter,  any  misstatement  of  dates  or  fact  should  have  escaped  our  notice, 
we  would  merely  ask  the  charitable  criticism  of  our  readers.  To  all  who  have  con- 
tributed to  the  success  of  the  work  by  aid  in  research,  furnishing  of  historical  mate- 
rial, or  by  financial  support,  we  would  desire  to  again  extend  our   grateful  and 

appreciative  thanks. 

MERCANTILE  PUBLISHING  CO. 


INDEX. 


ARCHITECTS. 

PAGE 

Foster  Bros,  (and  Builders) 177 

Worsam,  W.  H 117 

BANKS  AND  BANKERS. 

€entral  National  Bank  of  Norwalk 139 

Citizens  Savings  Bank 160 

Danbury  National  Bank 177 

Fairfield  Co.  National  Bank 136 

First  National  Bank  (So.  Norwalk) 149 

Gage,  S.  H.  &  Co 73 

Gage  &  Bauks 185 

National  Pabquioque  Bank 176 

National  Bank  of  Norwalk % 135 

People's  Savings  Bank  of  Bridgeport 124 

Staples,  James  &  Co 70 

Stamford  Savings  Bank 159 

Stamford  National  Bank 167 

Stamford  Safe  Deposit  Co 162 

Terry  Dvvigbt  H.  (Investment  Securities). . .  72 

Watson  T.  L.  &  Co 74 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES. 

Ayers,  Henry  N 130 

Bennett,  C.  H 73 

Byrne,  C.   J 106 

Cart wright,  Cbas 69 

Howland,  John  G 97 

Holbrook  &  Taylor 180 

Ruscoe,  Frank  H 138 

Buscoe,  Camp  &  Co 137 

West  End  Shoe  Store  (Geo.  H.  White) 116 

BREWERS,    BOTTLERS     AND     WHOLE- 
SALE LIQUOR  DEALERS. 

Bridgeport  Bottling  Co.  (Robrback  &  Boyle).  75 

Bennett,  F.  C 92 

Hartmann,  C.  H 77 

Kellermeyer,  H 120 

O'Rourke,  Patrick 93 

.Sailer,  F.  &  Son 105 

Wintter  A.  &  Co 81 

RAKERS  AND  CONFECTIONERS. 

Barber.  T.  M 87 

Frye,  Mrs.  A.  B 126 

Huber,  J 98 

New  England  Steam  Cracker  Bakery 69 

Russell,  C.  &  Co 125 

Wallace,  A.  W 69 

Wallace,  M.  M 114 


CARPENTERS  AND  BUILDERS. 

PAGE 

Davies  J.  C 87 

Foster  Bros 177 

Hoyt,  Geo.  D 165 

Purdy,  H.  M 79 

Raymond,  J.  R 151 

Rutherford,  John 90 

Robertson,  J.  N 178 

Savage  &  Smith  Building  Co 90 

Young,  Louis  K 127 

CARRIAGE  MANUFACTURERS  AND 
DEALERS. 

Boylston  &  Phillips 92 

Bradley,  Hawley 177 

Day,  J.  L 186 

Gunderman,  Wm.  H 77 

Hall,  C.  W 117 

Nichols,  Peck  &  Co 129 

Phoenix  Company  (J.  B.  Reed,  agent) 167 

Weed,  H.  B 183 

CIGARS  AND  TORACCO. 

Hoyt  &  Olmstead  Cigar  Co 140 

Old  Well  Cigar  Co 151 

CORSET  MANUFACTURERS. 

Bridgeport  Corset  Co.  (I.  W.  Birdseye) 72 

Lyon,  H.  W 88 

Warner  Bros 93 

CONCRETE,  DRAIN  PIPE,  ETC. 

Cole  &  Hinckley 94 

Doolittle,  E.  T 70 

Pierce  Manufacturing  Co 125 

Raymond  Bros 148 

DRY  AND  FANCY  GOODS  AND 
MILLINERY. 

Allen,  Smith  &  Co 167 

Copeland  Bros.  Co.  The 69 

Frve,  Mrs.  A.  B 126 

Gaylor,  L.  B.  &  Co 168 

Hall,  W.  B.  &  Co 65 

Holly,   E.  S 163 

Kreiger,  H 148 

Leverty,  Mrs  K 122 

Mclntyre,  Wm.  H 88 

Miller,  CO 158 

Quinn  &  Scott 177 

Wooster,  J.  S.  &  Co 110 


INDEX. 


DENTISTS. 

PAGE 

Boutwell,  C.  F 149 

Cairoli,  J.  S 68 

Curtis,  A.  N 99 

Ferris,  W.  L 116 

Hyatt,  F.  T 139 

Warnes,  E.  S 106 

Wkaley,  J.  C 186 

DRUGGISTS. 

Bunnell,  H.  W 104 

Curtis,  L.  F 75 

Curtis  &  Teeple 118 

Gates,  F.  Gr 114 

Hall,  M.  W Ill 

Hawley,  Wm.  H 185 

Hoyt,  I.  M 147 

Hamilton,  G.  C 102 

Hair,  J.  E.  (also  Veterinary  Surgeon) 84 

Isbell  &  Shannon 122 

Kane,  C.  A.  &  Co 88 

Lewis,  Wilbur  E 160 

Lawrence,  J.  K.  &  Co 168 

Lutz,  Joseph  H 97 

Reed  &  Co 182 

Randall.  F.  D 113 

Smith,  H.  D 181 

Stevens,  F.  S.  &  Co 121 

Toucey,  Edward 105 

FURNITURE,  CARPETS,  ETC. 

Austin,  F.  T 184 

Buckingham,  K  &  Co 89 

Cram,  E.  J 102 

Ferguson  &  Peet 107 

Hoyt,  Lyman  &  Son 165 

Hubbell  &  Curtis 82 

Lieberum  Bros 98 

McCord,  Cbas.  W.  (Carpets,  etc) 67 

Portelange,  V 118 

Raymond,  G.  H 136 

Stirling,  Hugh  (Mattresses) 66 

Wentworth,  Watson  L 127 

FLOUR,  FEED,  HAT,  STRAW,  ETC. 

Addis,  H.  A.  &  Son i 182 

Hubbell,  Chas.  E 80 

Ingersoll,  S.  C 162 

Meeker  &  Dowd 104 

Raymond  Bros 148 

Richardson,  G.  F 181 

Wilcox,  C.  H 179 

Winton,  A.  L 86 

GROCERIES  AND  PROVISIONS.     (Retail.) 

Addis,  H.  A.  &  Son 182 

Ayer,  A 117 

Bommos  &  Biltz 83 

Belknap,  E.  S 73 

Banks,  W.  H 103 

Banks,  E.J...    77 

Bradley,  C.  H 123 

Bray,  C.  A 116 

Cleveland,  Geo.  E 102 

Cartier,  Robt Ill 

Coe  &  White  (also  wholesale) 100 

Cornwell,  W.  S 120 

Dorus,  Jas.  H 104 

Driscoll,  John 119 

Devitt  Bros 129 


GROCERIES   AND   PROVISIONS.      Retail.) 
Continued. 

PAGE 

DeWolf,  H.  H US 

Dieringer,  W 127 

Evers,  W.  H 119 

Finney  &  Benedict 138 

Feeley,  M.  T 96 

Great  Atlantic  and  Pacific  Tea  Co.  (T.  Green- 
ing)   109 

Hurd,  E.  H 110 

Hitchcock.  F.  I.  (N.  Y.  Butter  House) 73 

Held,  Louis 122 

Havward,  H 129 

Heller,  M.  (N.  Y.  Tea  Co.) 137 

Hulton  Bros 123 

Lill,  B 109 

Lee  &  Ketcham 112 

Linehan  Bros 86 

Lupton,  C.  S 116 

Letterhaus,  H 99 

Nichols,  C.  A 105 

Nichols,  Robt.  A 108 

Nichols,  Harry 122 

O'Donnell.  Daniel 94 

Paddock,  E.  G 114 

Peard,  A.  W.  &  Co 115 

Plalzgraf,  R 113 

Porter,  J.  E 112 

Phalen,  J.  S 108 

Reid,  Alexander 100 

Reitter,  Henry 96 

Reitter,  P.J 106 

Raymond,  S.  F 122 

Smith  &  Havens 114 

Stein,  Conrad  F Ill 

Schleichert,  John 105 

Setzer,  Henry,  Jr 100 

Schreyer,  Geo.  V 94 

Stegeman  &  Whetstine 71 

Veit,  Robt.  J 97 

Vaill,  L.  B 108 

Whiting,  R.  T 69 

Wolfram,  W.  L 8G 

Wolfram  &  Co, 98 

Weldon,  E 95 

Wills,  W.  E 113 

Woodhull,  Henry Ill 

Weed,  A.  G 158 

Youngs,  C.  A 109 

GROCERIES  AND  PROVISIONS. 
(Wholesale.) 

Birdsey,  Geo.  K • 67 

Bridgeport  Beef  Co 7S 

Bartram,  F.  A.  &  Co 8S 

Rogers  &  Morf ord 72 

Wolfram,  W.  L 80 

HOUSE    FURNISHING    GOODS,    STOVES,. 
RANGES,  ETC. 

Austin,  F.  T 184 

Brady,  J.  F 96 

Coester  Bros 93 

Cram,  E.  J 102 

Curtis,  F.  J.  &  Co 136 

Curtis  Bros 115 

Hopkins,  L.  M US 

Jaqui,  F.  W.,  Jr 13S 

Leavenworth,  Theo 115 

Stamford  China  Store  (Ayers  Bros.) 16S 

Stark  &  Wilson 160 


INDEX. 


HOTELS,  RESTAURANTS,  ETC. 

PAGE 

Chatfield  House 95 

Franklin  House 168 

Golden  Hill  Hotel 118 

Mill's  Pavilion 85 

Merwin  House 130 

Sea  View  Hotel 98 

Sterling  Restaurant  (Jesse  Sands) 124 

Turner  House 179 

Union  House 164 

Wooster  House 186 

Washington  Park  Hotel 120 

HARNESS,  TRUNKS,  ETC. 

Atkinson,  John  S 85 

Dwyer,  P.  H 141 

Day,  J.  L 186 

Faucett,  G.  R 165 

Peckwell,  J.  F 140 

Reed,  H.  E 185 

White,  J.  S.  &  Son 120 

HAT  MANUFACTURERS,  ETC. 

Asch,  Joseph  J.  (Hatters'  Fur) 148 

Bates,  Martin,  Jr.,  &  Co.  (Hatters'  Fur) 151 

Crofut  &  Knapp 145 

Duncan.  A.  L 148 

Dennis  &  Blanchard 145 

Hubbell  &  Barthol 144 

Hayes  &  Co 147 

McEwen,  Wm.  K 149 

Smart,  Patterson  &  Rice  (Straw  Goods) 166 

South  Norwalk  Hat  Co 151 

Volk  Hat  Co 146 

INSURANCE. 

Bigelow  &  Stevens 176 

Co-operative  Life  and  Accident  Association 

(G.  W.  Lewis,  Manager) 87 

Clark,  D.  II 159 

Fairchild,  A.  B 117 

Goodsell,  McNeil  &  Co 101 

Green,  Wilson  F.  (Jolin  Hancock) 99 

Hubbard,  H.  A 158 

Johnson,  J.  W 90 

Jones,  D.  W 107 

Layton,  Jacob  M 146 

Loewith,  S.  &  Co 71 

Norwalk  Fire  Insurance  Co 139 

Noble,  John  F 101 

Rider,   Chas 183 

Soribner,  Jas.  H 67 

Scribner,   H.  H 112 

Whittlesey,   R.  E 101 

Wilson,  O.  E 135 

Wilcox,  Walter  L 150 

JEWELRY  AND  OPTICIANS. 

Edmonds,  Geo.  B.  (Optician) 107 

Jackson,  LeGrand 137 

Robinson,  II.  M 183 

Reid,  John  H.  &  Co 102 

Vanderwerken,  E 169 

LUMBER. 

Beers,  David 182 

Bates,  Joseph  T.  &  Co 178 

Osborn  Bros 184 

St.  John,  Hoyt  &  Co 157 

White,  Gillespie  &  Thayer 161 


LIVERY  STABLES. 

PAGE 

Bradley,  Hawley 177 

Carstesen,  Henry 89 

Cook,  Geo.  F 97 

Edwards,  Edwin  &  Son 86 

Gregory,  Geo.  S 136 

Gregory,  S.  W 147 

McNally,  John 163 

Northrop,  G.  A 114 

Raymond,  H.  W 103- 

Robinson,  H.  H 81 

Seeley,  S.  M.  &  L.  M.  (Bridgeport  Cab  Co.).  85 

Standard  Cab  Co.  (F.  H.  Vann  &  Co.) 74 

Wakelee,  S.  L 126 

Wood,  E.  S 94 

MANUFACTURERS. 

Buckmaster,Geo.  &  Co.  (Bronze  Hardware.)  149 

Belding,  The  R.  A.  Co.  (Hat  Machines) 181 

Burns,    Silver  &   Co.    (Cabinet    Hardware, 

etc) 81 

Bostwick,  W.  B.  &  Co.  (Buttons) 83 

Bridgeport  Paper  Box  Co 112 

Bridgeport  Patent  Leather  Co 89 

Crockett,   David  B    Co.  (Preservative    and 

Spar  Composition) 66 

DeOxidized  Metal  Co 79 

Duncan  Iron  Railing  Works  (W.  W.  Hoyt)..  147 
Knapp,  E.  F.  (Hat  and  Hardware  Cases). . .   150 

Fox,  Chas.  (Engines) 162 

Haulenbeck,  Giles  (Cigar  Boxes) 150 

Hutchinson,  Pierce  &  Co.   (Star   Shirts  and 

Shirt  Waists) 78 

Hutchinson,    Cole   &  Co.    (Star  Shirts  and 

Shirt  Waists) 139 

Ingersoll  Manufacturing  Co.  (Manufacturers 

of  Rock  Drills) 164 

Krouse,  A.  &  Bros.  (Engravers,  Die  Sinkers, 

etc.) 68 

Klein,  M.  &  Bros.  (Novelties) 99 

Mosher  &  Curran  (Hat  Blocks,  Nails,  Tools, 

etc.) 145 

Norwalk  Iron  Works 144 

New  Howe  Sewing  Machine  Co 84 

Russell,  Chas.  B.  (Nails  and  Tacks) 77 

Stamford  Moulding  and  Planing  Mill 161 

St.  John  Wood  Working  Co 157 

Stamford  Hosiery  and  Suspender  Co 166 

Stamford  Foundry  Co 158 

Trowbridge,  C.  S.  (Paper  Boxes) 140 

Wheel  and  Wood  Bending  Co 89 

White  Manufacturing   Co.    (Carriage  Hard- 
ware)    119 

Wheeler,  W.  A.  (Hatters'  Tools) 145 

Yale  &  Towne  Manufacturing  Co.  (Locks, 

etc.) 163 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Ayres  Bros.  (Stamford  China  Store) 168 

Bennett  &  Healy  (Horse  Shoers) 116 

Cosier,  D.  S.  (Undertaker) 178 

Cavanagh,  J.  W.  (Marble  and  Granite) 148 

Drueke,  F.  (Hair  Goods) 126 

Danbury,  Historical  Sketch  of 170 

Ellis  &  Reilly  (Marble  Works) 78 

Goodyear  Rubber  Store  (F.  C.  Tuttle) 75 

Gledbill,  S.  W.  (Cotton  and  Woolen  Rags). .  128 

Hull  &  Palmer  (Civil  Engineers) 76 

Howes,  J.  E.  (Paper,  Paper  Bags  and  Twines)    72~ 
Hercher,  Paul  (Artist) 109- 


10 


INDEX. 


MISCELLANEOUS — Continued. 

PAGE 

Norwalk,  Historical  Sketch  of 131 

Pembroke  Custom  Laundry  (O.  E.  Lindsley)    68 

Rogers'  Farm  Dairy 128 

Robinson,  H.  H.  (Furniture  Moving) 81 

Stamford,  Historical  Sketch  of. . . ., 152 

South  Norwalk,  Historical  Sketch  of 142 

-Stevens,  George  R.  (Artists'  Materials) 180 

Smith  &  Hubbard  (Attorneys    and   Patent 

Solicitors) 90 

West  End  Floral  Gardens 110 

"Wilson,  F.  L.  (Pictures,  Picture  Frames,  etc.)  185 
Wilkinson,  J.  (Bicycles) 92 

PATTERN  MAHLER. 

O.  S.  Piatt 126 

PRINTERS,  STATIONERS  AND  NEWS- 
DEALERS. 

Alphonse,  J.  W 162 

Bodine,  A.  S.  (Printer) 123 

Bradsbaw,  James,  Jr 104 

Gillespie  Bros.  (Printers  and  Bookbinders). .  165 

■  Osborn,  Stephen 123 

Plumb  &  Beardsley 112 

Seltsam,  Geo.  (Printer) 103 

PHOTOGRAPHERS. 

Bronson,  C.  R 106 

Blackman,  C.  A 138 

Couch,  H.  E 185 

Folsom,  J.  H 179 

Farini,  L 100 

Montiguani,  F.  M 79 

PAINTERS,  PAPER  HANGERS,  ETC. 

Coughlin  Bros 101 

Peterson,  J.  M.  F.  &  Co 82 

Toms,  C.  R 161 

PIANOS  AND  ORGANS  AND  SHEET 

MUSIC. 

Behning  &  Son 124 

Christie,  J.  H.  (Temple  of  Music) 166 

Copp,  H.  M.  (Agent  forB.  Shoninger  &  Co.)  74 

Horr,  W.  H 80 

Hoyt,  W.  0 180 

Keller  Piano  Co.  The 76 

iSeiler,  S 108 


PIANOS  AND  ORGANS   AND   SHEET 

MUSIC— Continued. 

PAGE 

Studwell,  J.  W.  (Agent  for  B.  Shoninger  & 

Co.) 146 

Taylor,  A.  H.  (Manager  Loomis'  Temple  of 

Music 82 

PLUMRERS  AND  GAS  FITTERS. 

Benjamin  &  Ames 71 

Cornwell,   Timothy 110 

Fox.  Theodore 102 

Kearns,  John 126 

Mills,  L.  H 87 

REAL  ESTATE. 

Allen,  F.  C 129 

Bostwick,  W.  B 128 

Cosier,  John  H 184 

Clark,  D.  H 159 

Hubbard,  H.  A 158 

Jones,  D.  W 107 

Johnson,   J.  W 90 

Loewith,  S.  &  Co 71 

Nichols,  Walter 100 

Noble,  John  F 101 

Quien,  Christian 183 

Scribner,  Jas.  H 67 

Scribner,  H.  H 112 

Staples,  James  &  Co 70 

Wilson,  O.  E 135 

TAILORS  AND  CLOTHIERS. 

Adams,  S 168 

Barnaby,  J.  B.  &  Co 83 

Comstock  Bros 137 

Cohen,  Morris 140 

Gusowski,  E 140 

Hurlburt,  W.  P.  &  Son 159 

Hartwell,  F.  E.  &  Co 178 

Hutchinson,  Oscar 107 

Harlem,  J.  L 108 

Hansen,  J 104 

National  Clothing  Co.  The 78 

Peterson,  C 103 

Park  City  Clothing  Co 70 

Waterbury  &  McDonald 167 

Werner  Bros 184 

TOYS  AND  FANCY"  GOODS. 

Boylston  &  Phillips 92 

Hunt,  F.  S.  &  Co 106 

Mclntyre,  Wm.  H 88 

Van  Yorx,  Mrs.  W.  T 113 


HISTORICAL  REVIEW 


OF    THE 


City  of  Bridgeport 


INTRODUCTION. 

Macaulay  has  well  said  that  "  the  circumstances  which  have  most  influence  on  the 
happiness  of  mankind,  the  changes  of  manners  and  morals,  the  transition  of  commu- 
nities from  poverty  to  wealth,  from  knowledge  to  ignorance,  from  ferocity  to 
humanity — these  are,  for  the  most  part,  noiseless  revolutions." 

Few  more  striking  illustrations  of  this  universal  truth  could  be  found  than  that 
afforded  by  a  review  and  analysis  of  the  wonderful  progress  of  Bridgeport  during 
the  more  recent  decades  of  the  present  century.  The  causes  and  influences  which 
have  contributed  to  advance  the  little  hamlet  with  a  population  of  less  than  three 
hundred  in  1800,  to  the  important  position  which  it  holds  at  present  among  the  cities 
-of  the  State,  are  worthy  of  the  most  careful  attention. 

To  the  thoughtful  observer  of  the  times,  who  recognizes  the  value  of  the  past  his- 
tory of  this  country  in  solving  the  troublesome  problems  which  are  now  pressing 
themselves  into  prominence,  as  well  as  its  significance  in  casting  the  horoscope  of 
the  future,  the  simple  records  of  the  internal  growth  of  a  representative  New  Eng- 
land city  commend  themselves  and  carry  their  own  moral  lessons. 

To  all  readers,  whether  bound  to  the  city  by  the  tender  ties  of  birth,  or  those 
whose  acquaintance  with  it  hitherto  has  been  unfortunately  meagre,  the  story  ot 
success,  as  is  always  the  case,  must  render  the  history  of  Bridgeport  of  more  than 
ordinary  interest. 

That  success  which  comes  as  the  result  of  honest  effort,  inspired  by  high  motives, 
has  always  possessed  peculiar  attraction  for  the  American  people,  has  spurred  them 
to  unceasing  activity,  and  has  contributed  not  a  little  through  its  influence  in  bring- 
ing this  country  to  its  present  unequalled  prosperity.  A  glance  at  the  aggregate 
results  of  the  century,  such  as  is  afforded  in  Andrew  Carnegie's  admirable  work, 
"  Triumphant  Democracy,"  is  of  the  highest  value,  proving,  beyond  cavil  and  with- 
out extravagance,  that  to-day,  in  resources  the  United  States  is  the  richest,  in  manu- 
factures the  largest,  and  in  morals  the  best  nation  in  existence. 

Hardly  less  important,  can  it  be  deemed,  to  observe,  in  the  miniature  but  no  less 
perfect  representation  afforded  by  a  historical  review  of  Bridgeport,  the  same  in- 
strumentalities, the  same  devoted  public  spirit,  the  same  individual  energy  and  self- 
sacrifice,  all  working  harmoniously  together  to  the  same  glorious  end. 


12  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

It  may  be  questioned  whether  as  a  people  we  thoroughly  recognize  and  appreciate 
the  beneficent  causes  which  have  brought  us  the  best  of  what  we  have  and  are. 
For  this  just  estimate  of  the  present,  history  furnishes  the  most  accurate  data.  Cer- 
tainly, if  we  are  to  make  progress  and  to  continue  in  developing  those  blessings  of 
our  civilization,  which,  it  goes  without  saying,  are  far  from  as  perfected  and  univer- 
sal as  might  be  the  case,  we  can  rest  assured  that  the  lessons  of  the  past,  as  record- 
ed in  history,  must  have  an  intrinsic  worth  which  renders  a  full  acquaintance  with 
them  not  only  of  the  highest  importance  but  as  truly  an  absolute  essential. 


CHAPTER  I. 
THE   DAWNINGS   OF   HISTORY. 

The  dark  veil  which  enshrouds  the  primeval  history  of  this  continent,  has  con- 
signed that  period  in  its  existence  prior  to  the  advent  of  the  white  man  chiefly  to 
the  realm  of  fancy  and  poetry.  A  few  mounds,  some  interesting  relics,  and  number- 
less traditions  are  all  that  remain  to  tell  the  story  of  its  youth. 

Who  were  the  original  inhabitants  ?  of  what  origin?  to  what  degree  of  civilization 
had  they  attained  ?  All  such  moot  questions  must  be  left  to  the  interested  archaeol- 
ogist to  investigate  and  decide.  Yet,  from  amid  the  mass  of  tangled  traditions  some 
facts  of  abiding  interest  and  valuable  for  our  present  purpose  may  be  derived.  The 
main  tribe,  to  which  all  the  Indians  in  the  district  which  is  now  Fairfield  County 
were  allied  at  the  time  of  their  introduction  to  the  whites,  were  designated  by  the 
name  of  Paugausetts. 

They  seem  to  have  been  settled  here  for  centuries,  but  at  the  beginning  of  the 
Seventeenth  were  rapidly  passing  away.  They  were  near  of  kin  to  the  Quinnipiacs, 
of  New  Haven,  whom  they  resembled  much  in  general  chai-acteristics.  Like  the 
latter,  they  had  been  sorely  depleted  by  the  deadly  destruction  in  that  struggle  for 
"  the  survival  of  the  fittest,"  which  was  continually  disturbing  the  Indian  tribes  of 
Connecticut. 

Every  second  year,  the  Mohawks  would  sweep  down  upon  them  from  the  west, 
cutting  a  broad  red  furrow  across  the  land.  The  Pequots  toward  the  east  were 
continually  supplementing  the  attacks  of  the  Mohawks  by  further  depredations,  so 
that  between  the  two  a  rather  scanty  living,  among  none  too  pleasant  or  secure  sur- 
roundings, was  all  that  was  left  to  this  quiet,  easy-going  people. 

They  drew  their  chief  sustenance  from  the  sea,  as  enormous  heaps  of  oyster  shells 
have  abundantly  testified.  Too  lazy,  even,  to  appreciate  the  ordinary  incentives  to 
hunting,  the  Paugausetts  seem  to  have  looked  upon  it  as  a  last  sad  resort,  while  agri- 
culture was  almost  too  bitter  to  be  thought  of. 

The  tribal  union  of  all  the  small  clans  in  the  vicinity  is  clearly  proven  by  the 
fact  that  they  had  a  common  place  of  refuge,  in  the  shape  of  a  fortified  fort,  on  the 
east  bank  of  the  Ilousatonic  River,  a  short  distance  above  its  junction  with  the 
Naugatuc.  Hither  they  were  all  accustomed  to  flock,  whenever  sufficient  warning 
was  given  of  a  powerful  enemy's  approach. 

There  is  no  reason  to  suppose  that  their  moral  or  civil  condition  differed  essentially 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  13 


from  that  of  surrounding  tribes.  Whether  originally  a  spirited  race  or  not  it  would 
be  hard  to  decide,  but  whatever  had  been  their  character,  at  this  time  all  traces  of  a 
strong  and  vigorous  nation  had  disappeared.  The  usual  faults  of  "  lying,  unclean- 
ness,  idleness  and  stealing,"  were  theirs  in  abundance.  They  formed,  however,  the 
least  troublesome  of  neighbors  to  the  English  settlers,  and  it  was  a  most  happy 
thing  that  the  proverbial  Indian  cruelty  and  ferocity  were  lacking. 

This  fact  explains  their  insignificance  in  colonial  history,  their  easy  conquest  by 
the  Mohawks  and  Pequots,  and  in  a  great  part,  their  continued  and  rapid  decay 
under  the  comparatively  kind  treatment  of  the  whites. 

It  is  a  matter  of  common  belief  that  the  arrival  of  the  whites  was  the  only  cause 
for  the  disappearance  of  the  Indians  from  this  region.  Many  as  were  the  acts  of 
injustice  practiced  against  their  race  in  all  parts  of  the  country,  just  as  have  been 
most  of  the  sad  complaints  which  they  have  made,  nevertheless  it  has  been  proved 
by  careful  research  that  the  Indians  of  Connecticut  were  a  dying  race. 

They  were  all  of  Algonquin  descent,  one  of  the  three  great  divisions  of  the  North 
American  Indians,  but  were  as  deadly  hostile  to  each  other  as  the  olden-time  Greeks. 
The  Pequots  and  Mohawks  represented  the  younger  branches  of  the  common  stock, 
and  were  constantly  engaged  in  desultory  warfare.  The  Paugausetts  were  an  older 
tribe  and  were  wasting  away  through  their  own  degeneracy  and  the  onslaughts  of 
the  stronger  nations.  In  all,  according  to  DeForest,  the  historian  of  the  Indians  of 
Connecticut,  the  whole  number  in  the  State  at  the  time  of  the  white  settlement  could 
not  have  exceeded  six  thousand. 

The  Pequonacks,  that  part  of  the  Paugausetts  tribe  which  occupied  the  present 
position  of  Bridgeport,  and  from  which  the  river  obtained  its  name,  has  been  proven 
by  the  valuable  researches  of  Orcutt,  the  historian  of  this  part  of  the  State,  to  have 
numbered  somewhat  more  than  five  hundred,  thus  constituting  the  largest  and  most 
powerful  division  of  the  parent  tribe. 

There  is  little  doubt,  as  the  historian  Orcutt  has  shown,  that  this  tribe  was  rep- 
resented in  the  general  council  held  by  all  the  Indian  tribes  in  the  western  part  of 
the  State  with  the  settlers  of  Hartford  in.  March,  1638,  at  which  the  Indians  made 
an  amicable  treaty  with  the  English;  but,  in  general,  the  influence  of  the  tribe  on 
the  early  history  of  the  State  was  hardly  appreciable. 

The  earliest  historical  account  which  has  been  preserved  directly  bearing  upon 
this  locality  relates  to  the  time  of  the  Pequot  wars.  This  implacable  tribe,  after  many 
cruel  massacres  of  the  whites,  had  been  gradually  driven  back  by  the  settlers  from 
their  old  camping  grounds  in  the  east  toward  the  western  end  of  the  State.  In  June 
1637,  the  final  expedition  was  made  against  this  tribe,  under  the  leadership  of  Lieu- 
tenant Davenport.  Flying  before  their  relentless  pursuers,  the  last  bleeding  remnants 
of  the  Pequot  tribe  collected  in  a  swamp  on  the  outskirts  of  Bridgeport  towards  Fairfield. 

When  the  English  had  arrived  and  surrounded  the  swamp,  word  was  sent  to  the 
Indians  through  an  interpreter,  that  life  would  be  granted  to  all  who  were  not  guilty 
of  English  blood,  if  they  would  come  out  peacefully.  Of  the  three  hundred  Indians 
including  women  and  children  in  the  swamp,  all  now  came  out  save  about  a  hundred 
Pequot  warriors,  who,  though  by  no  means  all  guilty  of  English  blood,  resolved  with 
almost  heroic  stoicism,  to  die  rather  than  surrender. 

Now  a  battle  of  extermination,  hardly  equalled  in  the  annals  of  the  State,  was 
begun.     The  musketry  of  the  English  played  upon  the    little  band  of  savages  from 


14  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

every  direction  and  with  deadly  effect.  A  charge  was  made,  but  the  Indians  repell- 
ed it  successfully.  Evening  came  on  before  the  battle  was  yet  decided.  In  the 
midst  of  a  fog  which  came  on  in  the  early  part  of  the  next  morning,  the  Indians  ven- 
tured to  break  through  the  English  lines.  In  spite  of  the  most  desperate  resistance 
about  half  of  them  succeeded  in  dashing  through  and  escaped.  Many  of  these  were 
were  immediately  followed  up  and  put  to  death.  Others,  among  whom  was  their 
renowned  chief  Sassacus,  at  that  time  succeeded  in  getting  away.  But,  within  a 
few  months,  the  scalps  of  Sassacus  and  all  but  a  dozen  or  two  of  the  fated  tribe  had 
been  handed  in  at  the  English  headquarters  by  their  Indian  allies. 

The  swamp  between  Fairfield  and  Bridgeport,  where  the  battle  took  place,  was 
found  thickly  strewn  with  the  bodies  of  the  brave  but  ruthless  savages.  The  Eng- 
lish also  led  back  to  the  colony  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  Pequot  women  and  children, 
as  slaves.  Thus  the  first  scene  after  the  curtain  has  been  drawn  away  from  this  lo- 
cality by  the  advent  of  a  civilized  race,  is  a  dark  tragedy.  Much  as  we  regret  the 
lack  of  mercy  which  distinguishes  this,  as  most  of  the  other  Indian  wars,  the  fact 
that  the  war  was  necessarily  one  of  self-preservation  explains,  though  it  may  not 
justify,  the  unrelenting  punishment  which  the  English  visited  upon  the  Pequot  tribe, 
probably  the  fiercest  of  all  their  enemies  before  the  time  of  King  Philip. 

The  report  concerning  this  region,  made  by  those  who  had  gone  on  the  expedi- 
tion against  the  Pequots,  aroused  the  attention  of  the  colonists  and  within  two 
years  time  a  considerable  number  of  settlements  had  been  made  here.  In  1839  this 
entire  region  was  purchased  from  the  English  crown  by  a  Mr.  Fairfield,  who  came 
directly  from  England  and  was  vested  with  the  civil  authority  of  the  district.  That 
part  of  the  purchase  now  designated  as  Bridgeport  was  then  entirely  contained 
within  the  limits  of  the  town  of  Stratford,  named  after  the  Lord  Stratford,  then  in 
the  zenith  of  his  power  at  the  English  court. 

A  few  final  references  to  the  aboriginal  inhabitants  of  Bridgeport  may  be  perti- 
nent here.  As  the  whites  continued  to  settle  in  this  region,  the  Indians  became 
"  small  by  degrees  and  beautifully  less."  .Many  drifted  off  toward  the  west,  and, 
although   kindly  treated,  the   internal  disintegration   and   decay  continued. 

In  1659,  what  were  left  of  the  "  Indians  of  Pequonack  "  were  given,  as  a  special 
reservation,  "  Golden  Hill,"  one  of  the  loveliest  spots  in  modern  Bridgeport,  and 
from  this  time  they  went  by  the  name  of  the  "  Golden  Hill  Indians." 

Incidentally,  it  is  surmised  from  the  name  that  the  early  settlers  expected  to 
discover  golden  treasures  in  this  particular  hill,  but  like  many  other  of  their  hopes, 
its  realization  never  came. 

In  1710,  about  fifty  years  after  receiving  their  reservation,  the  Golden  Hill  tribe 
had  dwindled  down  to  about  twenty-five  families.  Another  fifty  years,  and  in  1765, 
only  three  women  and  four  men  remained  on  Golden  Hill.  A  question  now  arose 
between  the  white  settlers  and  the  Indians,  as  to  which  had  the  better  right  to  the 
hill.  The  Legislature  decided  in  favor  of  the  Indians,  but  being  bought  off  by  the 
whites  for  thirty  bushels  of  corn  and  three  pounds  worth  of  blankets,  they  vacated 
the  land  and  vanished  from  this  region,  as  permanent  residents,  forever. 

The  whites,  however,  did  not  proportionally  increase.  Soon  after  1639,  the  set- 
tlement at  Pequonnack  came  to  be  called  Stratfield,  but  so  slowly  did  it  grow  in 
numbers,  that  it  was  more  than  fifty  years  later  before  it  possessed  a  church,  always 
one  of  the  first  objects  of  the  planters'  longing  and  endeavors. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


15» 


■■■  ■  "'  ■  ' 


— " 


FAIRFIELD    AVENUE,    FROM    PARK    AVENUE,    LOOKING    WEST. 

The  data  concerning  the  first  settlers  of  Bridgeport  is  very  meagre.  In  the  his- 
tory of  Bridgeport,  by  the  Rev.  Samuel  Orcutt,  the  historian  quoted  above,  the- 
names  of  Henry  Summers,  Sr.,  and  Samuel  Gregory  are  given  as  the  heads  of  the- 
first  two  families  who  settled  in  this  region  An  ancient  cut  of  a  primitive  log  cabin, 
erected  here  about  1665,  near  the  junction  of  the  present  Park  and  Washington 
avenues,  has  been  preserved.  At  that  time  very  little  clearing  away  had  been  doner 
and  no  regular  roads  had  been  laid  out. 

The  records  of  Fairfield,  in  1669,  show  the  names  of  the  following  freemen,  who- 
voted  in  that  town,  but  resided  within  the  limits  of  Stratfield:  John  Odell,  James- 
Bennet,  Matthew  Sherwood,  Richard  Hubbell,  James  Wheeler,  Thomas  Morehouse,. 
Nathaniel  Seeley,  Thos.  Bennet,  Nathaniel  Burr,  Mr.  John  Burr,  John  Burr,  John 
Cable,  Sr.,  John  Cable,  Jr.,  Mr.  Daniel  Burr  and  Henry  Rowland. 

It  is  not  probable  that  these  constituted  all  the  settlers  dwelling  at  Stratfield,  as- 
some  might  not  have  been  church  members  and  so,  necessarily,  not  voters,  and  a 
considerable  number  probably  attended  church  at  Stratford. 

These  few  names  are  all  that  now  remain  to  show  who  laid  the  foundations  of 
modern  Bridgeport.  It  is  highly  creditable  to  these  men,  along  with  their  compan- 
ions, whose  names  are  now  forgotten,  that  in  spite  of  the  smallness  of  their  numbers, 
the  colony  was  not  abandoned,  as  was  the  case  in  many  similar  settlements  in  the  State- 
Though  compelled  to  battle  alone  against  all  the  discouragements  and  hardships- 
of  the  early  settler's  life,  they  unfalteringly  maintained  the  few  simple  homes  they 
had  carved  out  here  from  the  "  wilderness;"  and  thus,  amid  the  dark  and  bitter  years- 
from  1650  to  1690,  the  first  stones  of  that  structure  which  was  destined  to  rise  with 
such  strength  and  beauty,  were  being  laid. 


16  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


CHAPTER   II. 
OLD   COLONY   LIFE. 

The  tinge  of  romance  which  colors  many  of  the  tales  of  the  olden  time  in  New 
England  that  have  come  down  to  us,  sometimes  tends  to  lessen  in  our  minds  the 
practical  value  of  true  accounts  of  the  early  colonial  life.  It  is  safe  to  say,  that 
there  is  not  an  influential  cause  of  the  prosperity  of  our  country  during  the  Nine- 
teenth Century,  which  cannot  be  traced  back  to  its  remote  beginnings  in  the  first 
century  of  our  national  life.  Beyond  all  other  potent  factors,  the  greatness  of  the 
present  was  being  foreshadowed  and  assured  in  the  communities  which  were 
springing  up  all  over  New  England  during  the  latter  half  of  the  Seventeenth 
Century. 

The  history  of  this  period  in  the  growth  of  Bridgeport  should  portray,  as  far  and 
as  accurately  as  possible,  first,  the  people  of  the  colony  themselves,  their  life  and 
customs;  second,  the  crystalization  of  their  lives  and  characters  in  the  principles  of 
government  and  united  action  which  underlie  and  explain  the  present. 

With  the  total  lack  of  biography,  an  appreciative  analysis  of  the  characters  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Bridgeport  is  rendered  impossible;  but  one  marked  characteristic 
deserves  emphatic  mention — the  unflinching  courage  of  the  first  few  families  that 
had  gathered  around  the  mouth  of  the  Pequonnock  before  1639.  Whatever  want  of 
broad  outlook  or  charitable  toleration  we  may  discern  in  the  mental  makeup  of  the 
Puritans,  it  remains  that  they  were  fitted  as  no  others  were  or  could  have  been  for 
the  colonization  of  New  England. 

That  spirit  of  reverence  toward  God,  of  rectitude  toward  men,  which  was  the 
ruling  principle  of  the  Puritans,  enabled  the  early  settlers  of  Bridgeport  to  maintain 
a  steadfast  position,  where  less  sturdy  souls  would  have  faltered  and  failed.  As  the 
settlement  grew  slowly,  it  was  more  than  fifty  years  before  they  were  able  to  have  a 
church  of  their  own  at  Stratfield,  and  every  Sunday  all  the  able-bodied  persons  in 
the  village  were  obliged,  rather  than  omit  church-attendance  (which  course  did 
not  present  itself  to  the  mind  of  a  Puritan  as  possible),  to  tramp  across  the  wild 
country  for  four  or  five  miles  either  to  the  church  at  Fairfield  or  at  Stratford. 

It  is  possible  to  form  a  mind-picture  of  the  procession  which  the  few  families  in 
Stratfield  would  make  on  the  way  to  church  on  those  olden  time  Sunday  mornings. 
They  no  doubt  followed  the  usual  custom  in  the  colonies  of  going  together.  It  was 
not  until  some  time  in  the  Eighteenth  Century  that  carriages  were  used  in  attending 
church,  except  on  special  occasions.  All,  both  young  and  old,  were  accustomed  to 
walk.  Some  of  the  active,  middle-aged  men  led  the  way  as  an  advance  guard. 
Others  of  the  strong  men  were  scattered  through  the  company,  while  some  brought 
up  the  rear.     All  the  heads  of  families  carried   their  weapons  in   readiness,  even  in 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  17 

such  comparatively  quiet  settlements  as  Quinnipiac  or  Pequonnock,  for  the  possi- 
bility of  a  sudden  attack  of  the  wandering  tribes  of  Indians  was  always  imminent. 
Beside,  there  was  a  large  reservation  of  Indians  on  Golden  Hill,  indolent  and  harm- 
less generally,  but  one  could  not  tell  just  how  far  to  trust  them.  Under  the  watch- 
ful protection  of  the  Puritan  fathers,  the  Puritan  matrons  walked  sedately  along, 
watching  over  their  younger  sons  and  daughters,  in  whom  the  Puritan  spirit  had 
not  yet  subdued  the  natural  tendencieslo  mirth  and  noisiness.  The  young  men 
and  maidens  walked  apart,  for  on  Sundays,  of  all  days,  they  were  not  supposed  to 
have  any  desire  for  each  other's  company.  Thus,  in  irregular  companies  of  a  half 
dozen  or  so,  but  all  within  a  short  distance  of  each  other,  the  inhabitants  of  Strat- 
field  would  walk  to  church  each  Sunday  morning,  unless  the  weather  was  so  inclem- 
ent as  to  prevent  the  women  and  children  from  going  out.  The  men  were  obliged  to 
be  present,  whether  rain  or  shine,  snow  or  ice  prevailed. 

Arrived  at  the  church,  the  families  were  seated  according  to  certain  ranks  and 
privileges  which  then  prevailed.  The  young  men  and  maidens  were  again  separated, 
being  seated  on  opposite  sides  of  the  church.  But,  though  obliged  to  refrain  almost 
from  looking  at  the  young  ladies  during  the  day,  the  young  man's  turn  came  around 
with  Sunday  evening.  Then  it  was  the  regular  time  for  him  to  visit  his  loved  one's 
home,  and  ever  since  that  day  the  custom  seems  to  have  continued.  The  noon  meal  was 
always  brought  to  church,  and  the  country  people  did  not  return  home  until  after 
the  sermon  in  the  afternoon. 

Thus  passed  a  Sunday  with  the  Puritans,  looked  forward  to  throughout  the  week 
as  a  foretaste  of  heaven.  Indeed,  all  their  pleasantest  recollections  and  hopes  clus- 
tered around  the  church.  In  the  midst  of  the  hard  struggles  of  subduing  the  soil 
and  the  rough  forest  lands,  this  spot  stood  out  as  an  oasis  in  the  wilderness.  Here 
they  received  their  name  at  the  first  solemn  ceremony  in  the  course  of  their  life. 
Here  the  banns  of  true  love  were  first  announced.  Here,  before  the  altar,  after 
having  ridden  over  in  state,  bride  and  groom  together  on  the  same  steed,  the  most 
sacred  vows  of  marriage  were  administered.  Hither  they  expected  to  come  on  their 
last  journey  after  the  hard  battle  of  life  was  over. 

So  the  first  and  most  important  element  which  we  meet  with  in  the  life  of  the 
early  settlers  in  Bridgeport,  as  all  through  New  England,  is  their  relation  to  the 
church.  In  the  light  of  this  fact  we  may  well  consider  it  the  most  important  event 
in  the  history  of  the  colony  up  to  that  date,  when  the  foundation  of  the  first  church  was 
laid  in  Stratfield,  in  the  year  1693.  The  fact  that  there  could  not  have  been  more 
than  seventy-five  adults  in  the  place  at  the  time  demonstrates  the  universal  desire 
which  existed  for  such  an  edifice. 

The  church  was  not  finished  until  1695,  owing  partly  to  the  heavy  strain  put  upon 
the  inhabitants  by  reason  of  their  small  numbers  and  partly  to  the  fact  that  much 
difficulty  ensued  in  separating  from  the  parishes  at  Fairfield  and  Stratford.  The 
Reverend  Charles  Chauncey  was  settled  as  pastor  of  the  church,  and  proved  an  ideal 
leader  of  the  people. 

About  the  same  time,  that  other  rock  upon  which  New  England  is  built,  the 
common  school  was  established  in  Stratfield.  For  a  number  of  years  the  Rev.  Chas. 
Chauncey  had  acted  as  both  teacher  and  pastor,  but  before  the  beginning  of  the 
Eighteenth  Century  two  flourishing  schools  were  in  operation,  one  in  that  part  of  the 
town  bordering  on   Stratford,  the  other  in  the  part  toward  Fairfield.     Ever  since 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


that  time  the  subject  of  education  and  its  methods  has  continued  to  grow  with  the 
city,  contributing  indeed  not  a  little  to  the  stability  of  that  growth.  The  Rev.  Mr. 
Chauncey  was  a  highly  educated  scholar,  the  grandson  of  Charles  Chauncey,  pro- 
fessor of  Greek  and  Latin  at  Cambridge  University,  England,  and  later  President  of 
Harvard  College,  so  we  may  be  sure  that  in  the  beginning  of  the  school  at  Stratfield, 
the  first  steps  were  wisely  planned  and  intelligently  taken.  The  standard  was  prob- 
ably somewhat  higher  than  at  most  of  the,  colonial  schools  where  nothing  was  taught 
except  the  simplest  rudiments.  The  discipline  of  the  schools  in  those  days  con- 
formed to  the  Puritan  idea,  and  the  present  system  would  seem  the  height  of  indul- 
gence in  comparison. 

Mr.  Chauncey's  salary  as  both  pastor  and  teacher  was  £60,  which  was  afterwards 
increased  to  £80.  This  may  seem  very  small  but  in  reality  was  very  generous  con- 
sidering the  population  of  Stratfield  at  that  time.  The  Stratfield  Ecclesiastical  So- 
ciety was  the  name  given  to  the  first  attempt  at  local  organization,  which  was  granted  a 
charter  at  the  establishment  of  the  first  church  in  1695  by  the  General  Court  of  the 
State.  Being  the  first  community  under  this  form  of  organization  in  the  State,  its 
privileges  and  powers  were  defined,  according  to  Orcutt's  history,  in  1699,  as  follows: 

1.  To  make  choice  annually  of  two  or  three  persons  who  shall  have  power  to 
order  meetings  of  the  society,  their  minister's  rate  and  what  concerns  may  be  about 
their  meeting  house. 

2.  To  choose  collectors  of  the  rates,  and  that  they  shall  have  power  by  virtue  of 
a  writ  from  lawful  authority  to  distrain. 

3.  To  choose  a  constable  whose  power  shall  reach  from  west  side  of  Pequonnock 
River  unto  the  utmost  bounds  of  the  village,  westward,  according  to  the  limitations 
granted  Commission  Officers;   the  village  consisting  partly  of  Fairfield  and  Stratford. 

4.  That  they  shall  have  liberty  to  choose  annually  a  society  recorder  to  be  sworn 
to  that  work. 

The  organization  was  of  the  simplest  character  possible,  and  yet,  or  consequently, 
proved  most  efficient  in  the  small  community,  as  long  as  it  continued  in  operation. 
The  chief  members  of  the  new  society  at  its  inception,  were  Richard  Hubbell,  Isaac 
Wheeler,  James  Bennit,  Samuel  Beai-dsley,  Samuel  Gregory,  Mathew  Sherman,  Rich- 
ard Hubble,  David  Sherman  and  John  Odell. 

This  union  of  all  the  forces  of  the  town  in  one  compact  body  had  a  most  telling 
influence  on  the  internal  improvement  of  the  region  itself  and  the  preparation  for 
rapid  advancement  later  on. 

In  1703,  the  village  had  grown  in  numbers  sufficiently  to  warrant  the  organiza- 
tion of  a  train-band.  David  Sherman  was  appointed  as  its  Ensign;  in  the  following 
year  John  Beardsley  was  elected  Captain,  and  James  Bennett  Lieutenant.  On  the 
annual  "training  clay,"  the  whole  company  of  some  forty  or  fifty  men  would  turn 
out,  and  march  to  the  training  grounds  in  the  northern  part  of  the  village.  The 
accoutrements  of  the  soldiers  were  of  the  most  varied  and  sometimes  ridiculous  nature. 
No  attempt  at  uniformity  seems  to  have  been  made.  In  close  proximity  might  have  been 
seen,  one  man  wearing  the  helmet  and  cuirass  of  an  English  knight,  with  a  broad 
cavalry  sword  in  his  hand,  and  another  with  no  defensive  armor  at  all,  carrying  a  large 
"blunderbuss  "  over  his  shoulder.  Fat  men  and  lean  men,  tall  and  low,  marched 
side  by  side  indiscriminately,  and  almost  in  accordance  with  each  individual's  own 
sweet  will,  for  the  amount  of  absolute  authority  now  given  to  a  military  commander, 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  19 

for  the  time  being,  would  have  seemed  preposterous  to  those  independent  freemen. 
The  day  on  the  parade  ground  was  spent  in  sham  battles,  athletic  games  and  military 
reviews.  Sometimes  the  Indians  from  the  neighboring  reservation  would  come  down 
and  try  a  wrestling  bout  with  the  soldiers. 

"Training  Day "  was  one  of  the  chief  holidays  of  the  year.  For  one  day,  at 
least,  the  natural  man  in  the  old  Puritans  made  itself  apparent.  Hilarity  and  merry 
making  were  almost  universal.  It  was  not,  however,  until  a  much  later  date  that 
New  England  rum  appeared  upon  the  scene  and  added  yet  another  feature  to  the 
day. 

The  only  other  holiday  of  the  time  worth  mentioning,  was  Thanksgiving  Day. 
The  Puritans  had  rejected  the  observance  of  Christmas,  along  with  all  the  other 
church  days,  but  all  joined  in  rendering  this  great  festal  day  of  Thanksgiving  a  red- 
letter  occasion  in  the  year.  Families  were  united  again  under  the  roof  of  the  pater- 
nal house,  and  an  abundance  of  good  things  from  field,  forest,  and  sea  were  supplied. 
This  distinctively  New  England  custom  was  established  before  1650,  and  no  doubt 
was  observed  here  from  its  inception.  The  glimpses  of  the  kindred  "  touch  of  human 
nature"  in  our  Puritan  ancestors  throw  an  amount  of  light  upon  their  lives  and  habits 
which  else  were  lacking. 

The  sober  business,  or  in  fact  the  life  work  of  the  early  settlei's  of  Stratfield,  for 
their  lives  were  religiously  sober,  was  agricultural.  Unlike  many  sister  colonies,  no 
thoughts  of  treasures  to  be  gained  by  traffic  on  the  sea  seem  to  have  been  ever  con- 
templated by  them.  For  a  hundred  years  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  which  fortu- 
nately was  unusually  rich,  absorbed  their  endeavors. 

In  the  year  1714,  the  little  settlement  met  a  heavy  loss,  in  the  death  of  their  be- 
loved pastor,  the  Reverend  Charles  Chauncey.  Endowed  with  the  highest  natural 
gifts,  cultivated  by  a  broad,  liberal  education,  he  had  thrown  himself  into  the  work 
of  the  church  here  with  a  self-sacrificing  zeal  that  had  a  most  marked  and  beneficial 
influence  in  moulding  the  tendencies  of  the  early  days  in  this  colony. 

The  Reverend  Mr.  Chauncey  was  succeeded  after  a  year's  interval  by  the  Rev. 
Samuel  Cooke,  one  of  the  earliest  graduates  of  Yale  College,  who  carried  on  with 
energetic  ability  the  work  which  had  been  so  successfully  inaugurated  by  his  prede- 
cessor. 

About  this  time  the  first  evidences  of  mercantile  activity  made  their  appearance 
in  the  shape  of  sundry  papers  and  agreements,  showing  that  quite  a  number  of  mei*- 
chants  had  settled  here  before  the  first  quarter  of  the  Eighteenth  Century  had  been 
completed. 

In  1717,  the  old  church  having  become  too  small  to  accommodate  the  congrega- 
tion, a  new  "meeting-house"  was  erected  under  the  charge  of  five  leading  citizens: 
Major  John  Burr,  Captain  David  Sherman,  Lieutenant  Richard  Hubbell,  Jr.,  Samuel 
Sherwood,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Fayerweather.  It  was  voted  that  the  sittings  in  the 
new  "meeting-house"  should  be  according  to  "dignity,  age,  and  estate  by  the  pres- 
ent list."  In  the  following  year,  1718,  a  gallery  was  built  in  the  church,  a  rare  inno- 
vation in  those  days,  and  one  showing  that  the  church  must  have  been  one  of  the  best 
in  this  part  of  the  State. 

The  great  religious  controversy  which  agitated  New  England  from  1740  to  1745, 
created  considerable  excitement  here.  Mr.  Cooke  sided  with  the  "  New  Lights,"  as 
they  were  called,  who,  influenced  by  the  ideas  of  Whitefield,   sought  a  more  liberal 


20  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

expression  of  Christian  thought,  and  more  liberal  methods  in  church  work.  Accord- 
ing to  Orcutt,  and  all  reliable  sources,  he  seems  to  have  had  the  sympathetic  and  un- 
failing support  of  his  parishioners,  though  meeting  much  opposition  in  his  position 
as  trustee  of  Yale  College. 

In  1748  the  first  Protestant  Episcopal  church  edifice  was  erected  in  Stratfield  and 
placed  under  the  charge  of  the  Rev.  Philo  Shelton.  Many  religious  changes  were 
brought  about  by  the  "  Great  Awakening  of  Whitefield,"  as  it  was  called,  and  one 
of  them  was  the  establishment  of  the  Stratfield  Baptist  church  in  1751. 

The  progress  of  Stratfield  during  the  third  quarter  of  the  Eighteenth  Century 
was  slow.  The  repressive  measures  put  upon  the  trade  and  manufacturing  of  the 
colonies  by  the  English  government  tended  to  restrain  and  crush  all  attempts  in 
these  lines.  Although  increasing  but  slowly  in  numbers  and  wealth,  the  progress  of 
thought  and  education  was  as  marked  here  as  anywhere  in  the  Colony.  Most  of  the 
people  were  well-to-do,  paupers  being  almost  unknown.  Many  had  received  a 
liberal  education,  as  the  early  records  of  Yale  College  would  demonstrate.  In  the 
meantime,  the  moral  status  of  the  settlement  had  been  preserved  intact  amid  all  the 
growing  tendencies  toward  a  less  severe  and  self-sacrificing  manner  of  life  which 
were  beginning  to  take  root  among  the  descendants  of  the  early  Puritans. 

Thus  it  was  that  the  inhabitants  of  Stratfield  were  fully  prepared  for  the  great 
struggle  for  liberty  about  to  break  out  in  the  Amei'ican  colonies.  The  first  dark 
threatenings  of  the  storm  were  watched  with  apprehension.  The  Stamp  Act  and 
Boston  Port  Bill  aroused  fiery  indignation.  The  noble  resistance  to  acts  of  oppres- 
sion throughout  the  Colony  met  with  hearty  sympathy  here.  The  men  began  to  take 
down  their  old  flint  locks  and  get  them  ready  for  active  service,  while  the  women 
were  melting  down  their  pewter  spoons  and  other  household  implements  into  bullets. 
A  company  of  minute  men  was  formed  ready  for  an  immediate  call  to  arms;  societies  of 
the  Sons  and  Daughters  of  Liberty  were  the  order  of  the  day;  eloquent  orators  passed 
through  the  villages  from  one  part  of  the  State  to  another,  arousing  the  minds  of 
the  people  to  the  magnitude  of  the  struggle,  and  giving  the  watchword  of  liberty; 
all  eyes  were  anxiously  directed  to  the  brave  little  seaport  town  of  Massachusetts, 
ready  for  the  storm  to  burst  at  any  minute. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  21 


CHAPTER  III. 
FROM  REVOLUTION   TO   REBELLION. 

When  the  news  of  Lexington  and  Concord  reached  Stratfield,  on  the  21st  of 
April,  1775,  the  village  was  convulsed  with  excitement  and  rose  in  arms  along  with 
the  rest  of  the  State.  A  considerable  number  of  volunteers,  not  less  than  forty, 
marched  immediately  on  Boston,  forming  a  part  of  the  Sixteenth  Regiment  of  the 
State  Militia.  These  soldiers  were  engaged  in  the  brilliantly  conceived  and  con- 
tested engagements  around  Boston  under  General  Washington. 

In  the  expedition  into  Canada,  led  by  Colonel  Benedict  Arnold,  in  the  fall  and 
winter  of  1775,  a  company  of  volunteers  from  Stratfield  participated.  There  were 
few  more  dangerous  or  more  disastrous  campaigns  made  during  the  war,  the  way 
lying  mostly  through  rough,  unbroken  country,  and  the  attacks  against  Montreal 
and  Quebec  being  made  under  the  most  discouraging  circumstances.  The  heroism 
of  the  volunteers  from  Stratfield  was  not  surpassed  by  any  of  that  noble  band  of 
Connecticut  volunteers. 

Two  military  companies  were  formed  in  Stratfield  during  1776,  one  composed  of 
the  " Householders  "  of  the  village,  the  other  called  the  "Stratfield  Train-Band." 
The  former  seemed  to  have  been  a  sort  of  "  Home  Guard;"  the  latter  did  gallant 
service  in  the  battle  of  White  Plains,  N.  Y. 

Captain  David  Hawley,  of  Stratfield,  commanded  a  vessel  in  the  desperately- 
fought  naval  engagement  on  Lake  Champlain,  October  11,  1776. 

As  the  war  progressed,  the  little  settlement  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pequonnock  began 
to  assume  the  proportions  of  a  village,  and  came  to  be  called  by  the  name  of  New- 
field.  This  was  part  of  the  old  village  of  Stratfield,  but  it  was  not  many  years 
before  Newfield  had  surpassed  the  older  part  of  the  village. 

Here  at  Newfield  several  exciting  incidents  took  place  during  the  course  of  the 
war.  In  the  early  part  of  1777,  the  inhabitants  of  Newfield  discovered  that  several 
boats  were  being  rowed  across  frequently  from  Stratford  to  the  British  on  Long 
Island  with  provisions  for  the  enemy.  Thinking  it  was  the  work  of  traitors,  the 
indignant  citizens  of  Newfield  attacked  one  of  the  boats  and  killed  two  of  the  men? 
but  the  sad  fact  became  evident  afterward  that  the  men  were  spies  employed  by 
General  Washington  to  go  within  the  British  lines  and  report  the  condition  of  the 
enemy  to  himself.  A  pension  was  given  to  the  families  of  these  men  unwittingly 
slain  by  their  own  countrymen  while  pursuing  their  dangerous  calling. 

In  the  fall  of  1779,  General  Silliman,  the  Military  Commander  of  this  section  of 
the  Long  Island  coast,  was  kidnapped  from  his  house  on  the  coast  near  Newfield 
iiarbor  by  a  party  of  British   soldiers  and  Tories.       They  had  crossed  from   Long 


22  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

Island  during  the  night,  and,  by  a  sudden  descent,  carried  off  the  General  before 
the  the  surrounding  region  could  be  aroused. 

Enraged  at  this  midnight  marauding  expedition,  and  hoping  to  obtain  prisoners 
who  might  be  exchanged  for  the  General  and  his  son,  who  had  been  taken  with  him,, 
the  citizens  of  Newfield  decided  to  make  a  return  expedition  to  Long  Island.  Cap- 
tain Daniel  Hawley  was  to  lead  the  party,  and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Jones,  Justice  of  the 
Supreme  Court  of  New  York,  was  the  person  picked  out  for  capture.  Taking  a  crew 
of  picked  men  in  a  large  whale-boat,  Captain  Hawley  crossed  to  Hempstead,  Long 
Island,  some  miles  from  the  home  of  Judge  Jones.  When  they  arrived  at  his  home,, 
it  being  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  a  large  ball  was  going  on  at  the  houser 
and  the  Judge  totally  ignorant  of  the  danger  hanging  over  his  head,  was  enjoying 
to  the  full  the  gay  festivities  of  the  evening.  The  noise  of  the  music  and  dancing 
prevented  the  approach  of  the  Americans  being  perceived.  Captain  Hawley,  no 
attention  being  paid  to  his  loud  knocking,  forced  his  way  into  the  house,  and  arrested 
Judge  Jones  and  a  Mr.  Hewlett  in  the  entry.  The  two  prisoners  were  rapidly  con- 
ducted to  the  boat  by  Captain  Hawley,  who  had  to  pass  within  a  short  distance  of 
a  guard  of  British  soldiers.  Judge  Jones  tried  to  attract  the  attention  of  these 
soldiers  by  "  hemming,"  but  desisted  on  being  told  he  would  receive  a  pistol  shot 
upon  a  second  attempt. 

There  was  a  long  journey  between  the  mansion  of  the  Judge  and  the  boat  where- 
his  companions  were  waiting  for  Captain  Hawley,  but  the  latter  conducted  his 
prisoners  with  consummate  skill.  After  the  arrival  of  the  Judge  at  Newfield,  he 
was  entertained  for  several  days  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  General  Silliman.  At  the 
expiration  of  three  or  four  months,  an  exchange  was  effected  with  the  British,, 
whereby  General  Silliman  and  his  son  were  restored  to  their  homes,  in  exchange  for 
Judge  Jones  and  Mr.  Hewlett. 

During  the  later  years  of  the  war  the  inhabitants  of  Newfield  were  much  troubled 
by  the  communications  of  their  Tory  neighbors  at  Newtown  with  the  British,  and 
a  guard  of  soldiers  was  stationed  here  to  keep  a  watch  along  the  coast. 

The  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War  found  the  older  farming  section  of  Stratfield 
smaller  and  poorer  than  before,  but  the  village  of  Newfield  had  made  great  progress. 
From  a  few  scattered  families  it  had  grown  in  less  than  a  decade  to  number  about 
one  hundred  and  ten  inhabitants. 

Many  families  had  moved  down  from  the  interior  and  settled  on  the  shore  of  the 
bay.  Among  these  we  may  note  the  Nichols,  Hawleys,  Hubbells,  Shermans,  Bur- 
roughs, Sterlings  and  Summers.  A  considerable  trading  and  shipping  business  had 
sprung  up,  and  from  this  time  the  chief  interest  of  the  historian  of  Bridgeport  is 
centered  upon  Newfield.  Under  the  benign  influences  of  peace  and  freedom  the 
commerce  of  the  village  prospered  for  a  number  of  years.  Wharves  began  to 
appear  around  the  upper  end  of  the  harbor,  and  a  fleet  of  ships  made  their  home  m 
the  harbor,  unsurpassed  anywhere  on  the  coast. 

The  borough  of  Bridgeport,  consisting  of  Newfield  and  Stratfield,  was  chartered 
in  1800,  so  that  the  city  began  its  present  prosperous  career  with  the  century.  It 
was  the  first  local  government  of  its  kind  in  the  State,  and  became  a  valuable  pattern 
after  which  many  other  communities  in  the  State  were  modeled.  The  name  itself 
signifies  its  own  derivation,  the  place  having  probably  come  to  be  called  so  familiarly  on 
account  of  the  small  turnpike  bridge  at  the  head  of  the  port. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


23 


^■-.^  )/,    .  »./     v.  ,  5# 


VIEW    OF    LONG    ISLAND    SOUND,    FROM    SEASIDE    PARK. 

The  season  of  prosperity  seems  to  have  continued  uninterruptedly  until  the  Em- 
bargo Act  in  1808,  and  the  War  of  1812  threw  a  damper  on  Bridgeport's  commerce, 
at  the  same  time  that  all  the  other  New  England  towns  were  similarly  afflicted. 
Although  the  citizens  qf  Bridgeport  achieved  no  conspicuously  brilliant  thing  in  the 
War  of  1812,  they  maintained  the  cause  of  the  country  with  patriotic  devotion,  par- 
ticularly on  the  sea. 

At  the  close  of  the  war,  commerce  revived,  and  the  main  facts  of  the  succeeding 
half  century  are  the  rise  and  fall  of  the  shipping  trade  and  its  supercedence  by  the 
increasing  extent  of  manufactures. 

Bridgeport  soon  came  to  have  a  fleet  excelled  in  numbers  and  efficiency  by  few 
on  the  Sound.  Considerable  trading  was  done  with  New  York,  Boston,  Baltimore 
and  the  West  Indies.  The  West  Indian  trade,  in  particular,  increased  rapidly 
until  about  1840,  when  it  began  to  decline.  One  great  benefit  of  this  trade  was  the 
impetus  it  gave  to  the  work  of  the  coopers  and  millers. 

In  1820  the  population  of  the  borough  had  reached  eight  hundred  and  twenty. 
In  the  following  year,  the  government  of  Bridgeport  was  changed  by  legislative 
enactment,  from  that  of  the  borough  to  the  town,  to  meet  the  exigencies  of  its 
recent  growth.  The  valuation  of  the  town  for  1820  was  reported  to  be 
#24,701. 

From  this  time  on  the  advance  of  Bridgeport  was  rapid.  The  advent  of  steam- 
boats was  one  important  item  in  the  bringing  about  of  this  result.  In  1824,  a  charter 
was  granted  to  a  steamboat  company  in  Bridgeport,  being  the  third  one  granted,  up 
to  that  time,  in  the  State;  but  it  does  not  appear  that  the  comj^any  went  into  active 
■operation  before  1832.     On  the    16th  of  April,  1S32,  the    steamboat  "Citizen,"  Cap- 


24  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

tain  Brooks,  began  to  make  regular  trips  between  Bridgeport  and  New  York.  Two- 
years  later,  in  July,  1834,  the  steamers  "  Nimrod,"  Captain  J.  Brooks,  Jr.,  and 
"  Fairfield,"  Captain  Peck,  were  added  to  the  line. 

One  of  the  early  maritime  ventures  was  whale  fishing.  This  industry  having 
proved  so  profitable  in  other  New  England  seaport  towns,  Bridgeport  decided  to 
try  her  hand  at  it,  and  whaling  vessels  were  sent  to  the  North  Atlantic  and  to  the 
North  and  South  Pacific  on  long  voyages.  The  business  prospered  so  for  a  time- 
that  in  1833  a  firm,  called  the  Bridgeport  Whaling  Company,  was  incorporated 
here  with  a  capital  stock  of  $100,000.  Four  vessels  were  owned  and  sent  out  by 
this  company:  "Harvest,"  "Hamilton,"  "Atlantic," and  "Steiglitz."  Whale  fishing 
off  Newfoundland  did  not  prove  so  successful,  and  after  a  decade  or  two  the  entire 
business  passed  into  oblivion,  as  better  and  cheaper  materials  for  lighting  came  into> 
the  market. 

Many  voyages  to  China  and  India  were  made  by  the  old  "  skippers  "  of  Bridge- 
port. Among  the  more  famous  of  these  old  naval  heroes  were:  Captain  Ezekiel 
Hubbell,  who  sailed  in  all  more  than  245,000  miles  upon  the  sea,  and  upon  a  large 
number  of  his  voyages  carried  cargoes  valued  at  over  $100,000;  Captain  Henry 
Wilson,  who  sailed  in  all  more  than  370,000  miles,  and  Captain  Isaac  Burroughs, 
who  made  many  voyages  and  owned  a  large  number  of  vessels  plying  from  thia 
port,  beside  being  one  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  in  the  town  itself. 

The  population  of  the  town  in  1830  was  rated  at  about  eighteen  hundred.  In 
1833,  scientific  arrangements  were  first  made  for  supplying  the  town  with  water. 
Previous  to  that  time  it  had  been  conveyed  around  the  town  in  bored-out  logs,  a 
plan  originally  made  by  the  Rev.  Elijah  Waterman.  The  Bridgeport  and  Golden 
Hill  Aqueduct  Company,  formed  in  1833,  with  a  capital  of  $10,000,  was  one  of  the 
first  in  the  country  to  apply  scientific  methods  to  the  distribution  of  the  water 
supply.     They  were  succeeded  by  the  Bridgeport  Water  Company  in  1853. 

In  1836,  a  new  era  was  inaugurated  in  Bridgeport  by  the  incorporation  of  the 
Housatonic  Railroad  Company.  The  movement  which  resulted  in  the  railroad 
began  in  1835,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest  in  the  country.  It  was  originally  proposed 
to  encourage  traffic  in  the  Housatonic  Valley,  by  joining  Naugatuck  and  New  Mil- 
ford  by  a  canal.  In  1835,  however,  the  citizens  of  the  various  towns  and  cities  in 
the  region  decided  that  a  railway  would  be  much  superior,  and  through  the  energetic 
efforts  of  Alfred  Bishop  of  Bridgeport,  it  was  decided  that  its  termination  should  be 
made  here. 

Coincident  with  the  moveme  nt  for  the  railway,  a  city  charter  was  granted  to  Bridge- 
port— a  suggestive  incident.  Thus  in  1836  Bridgeport  began  its  career  as  a  city 
and  became  possessed  of  its  first  railroad  company.  The  new  city  showed  its  appre- 
ciation of  the  latter  by  making  a  loan  to  it  of  $150,000.  This  was  the  first  experi- 
ence Bridgeport  had  had  with  a  debt,  and  at  first  several  misunderstandings  arose  in 
regard  to  the  payment  of  the  interest  and  other  collateral  items,  but  the  citizens  "soon 
"  saw  the  point,"  and  became  glad  to  make  a  small  sacrifice  for  the  general  good. 
Beside  Alfred  Bishop,  Wm.  P.  Bushnell,  Wm.  H.  Noble,  Jesse  Sterling  and  other 
prominent  citizens  were  deeply  interested  in  the  new  railroad.  The  road  was  com- 
pleted and  opened  as  far  as  New  Milford  in  1839,  but  the  present  line  was  not  entire- 
ly completed  until  1844.  In  1845  a  charter  was  granted  to  the  Naugatuck  railroad 
and  in  1848  the  trains  began  running  as  far  as  Winsted.     Timothy  Dwight  of  New 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  25 

Haven,  and  Wm.  P.  Burrall,  Philo  Hurd  and  Alfred  D.  Brittain  of  Bridgeport,  were 
among  the  chief  movers  of  this  enterprise. 

The  New  York  and  New  Haven  railroad,  which  had  been  chartered  in  1844,  also 
commenced  running  trains  through  Bridgeport  in  1848.  Bridgeport  men  had  an  im- 
portant influence  in  the  beginning  of  this  great  enterprise,  which  has  never  been  in- 
terrupted. Wm.  P.  Burrall  and  Stephen  Tomlinson,  both  of  Bridgeport,  were  mem- 
bers of  the  original  board  of  directors,  no  other  city  in  Connecticut  having  more 
than  one.  Alfred  Bishop  of  Bridgeport  was  the  chief  contractor  and  builder  of  the 
entire  road.  Wm.  D.  Bishop,  son  of  the  former,  was  for  many  years  president  of  the 
road,  and  contributed  a  large  share  toward  its  prosperity.  At  the  present  time 
Bridgeport  has  two  directors  of  the  road:  Hon.  Wm.  D.  Bishop  and  Hon.  Nathan- 
iel Wheeler;    and  superintendent:  Mr.  John  T.  Moody. 

The  importance  and  benefit  to  the  city  of  the  great  railroad  lines  can  perhaps  be 
partially  estimated  by  the  census,  the  population  of  Bridgeport  having  risen  from 
1,800  in  1830  to  4,570  in  1840,  and  7,558  in  1850. 

During  the  decade  from  1850  to  1860  there  was  another  rapid  advance,  the  city 
almost  doubling  its  population  and  reaching  the  number  of  13,299.  Many  of  the 
manufacturing  industries  were  established  during  this  period. 

As  the  clouds  began  to  gather  before  the  breaking  of  the  storm,  the  citizens  of 
Bridgeport  made  preparation  for  the  struggle  which  all  thoughtful  men  recognized 
as  imminent.  The  troubles  in  Kansas,  and  the  expedition  of  John  Brown  caused 
great  excitement.  As  the  elections  of  1860  drew  near  a  number  of  active  supporters 
of  the  South  and  slavery  made  themselves  prominent  in  the  city,  but  they  received 
nothing  but  opprobrium  from  the  great  majority  of  the  people.  With  the  elec- 
tion of  Lincoln  the  resolution  of  all  but  a  few  was  finally  made  to  stand  by  the 
Union. 

Immediately  upon  the  announcement  of  the  fall  of  Fort  Sumter,  April  12,  1861 
the  patriotic  spirit  burst  forth  in  great  mass  meetings  and  assemblies  for  volunteer- 
ing in  answer  to  the  call  of  the  governor.  Mayor  D.  H.  Sterling  and  Wm.  H.  Noble 
were  two  of  the  chief  leaders  of  the  "  Union  spirit."  At  the  mass  meeting  held  on 
the  evening  of  the  day  news  of  Fort  Sumter's  fall  arrived,  seven  thousand  dollars 
was  raised  on  the  spot  in  behalf  of  volunteers  and  their  families.  A  few  davs  later 
the  city  officially  set  apart  ten  thousand  dollars  for  this  purpose.  The  enthusiasm 
and  excitement  increased  hourly.  In  the  First  Connecticut  Volunteers  Regiment, 
collected  immediately  at  New  Haven,  Bridgeport  was  represented  by  a  complete 
company  called  the  "  Bridgeport  Rifles,"  Captain  John  Speidal.  In  the  Third  Regi- 
ment, recruited  a  few  days,  later,  Company  D,  Captain  Frederick  Frye,  was  composed 
•of  half  Bridgeport  men  and  the  rest  from  other  parts  of  Fairfield  County.  These 
regiments  immediately  marched  to  the  defence  of  Washington.  In  the  battle  of 
Bull  Run  they  were  in  the  front  of  the  line  and  were  the  last  to  retire,  with  unbroken 
ranks,  an  unexcelled  rear  guard.  Capt.  John  Speidal  was  made  a  Lieutenant-Colonel 
for  gallant  service  in  the  battle  that  day,  and  particularly  recommended 
for  honorable  mention.  When  the  brave  volunteers  returned  home  to  Bridgeport  in 
August  1861,  they  received  a  most  enthusiastic  welcome.  All  now  perceived  that 
the  struggle  would  be  a  long  and  bitter  one.  A  large  majority  of  the  returned 
soldiers  re-enlisted,  and  many  new  volunteers  came  forward. 

Meanwhile  there  were  a  few  so-called  "peace  "  men  in  Bridgeport  who  endeavored 


26     *  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

like  blind  men  to  stem  the  tide.  The  Bridgeport  Farmer  was  one  of  the  most  ram- 
pant upholders  of  the  "  anti-war  doctrines  "  in  the  State.  By  several  strong  edito- 
rials, wishing  the  rebels  success  and  approving  their  actions,  it  drew  upon  itself  the 
hostile  attention  of  the  city,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  hesitating  sympathizers. 
So  bitter  did  the  Farmer  become  that  at  last,  excited  and  exasperated,  a  large  crowd 
took  possession  of  its  office,  ruined  the  type,  paper  and  presses,  and  by  "  hooting, 
groaning  and  insulting "  its  recreant  editor,  Mr.  Morse,  whenever  he  appeared  in 
public,  induced  him  after  a  few  days  to  take  a  hurried  leave  and  join  his  South- 
ern friends,  via  Canada. 

In  the  new  regiments  which  were  now  immediately  formed,  Bridgeport  was  rep- 
resented as  follows:  Sixth  Regiment  by  Major  John  Speidal,  and  Company 
I,  Captain  Thomas  Boudren;  Seventh  by  Capt.  Gray,  and  part  of  Company  I; 
Ninth  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Richard  F.  Gibbons,  Major  Frederick  Frye,  and 
Company  D,  Captain  Thomas  C.  Coats;  Twelfth  by  Company  I,  Captain  J.  W. 
DeForest. 

That  a  more  appreciative  conception  of  what  Bridgeport  accomplished  in  the  war 
may  be  gained,  only  those  engagements  will  be  referred  to  in  which  her  "  boys  " 
participated. 

The  earliest  fighting  was  met  with  in  the  Sixth  and  Seventh  Regiments,  which 
were  ordered  to  the  coast  of  South  Cai'olina  in  the  fall  of  1861,  and  did  some  desper- 
ate and  honorable  fighting  around  Charleston. 

The  Ninth  Regiment  being  sent  to  Louisiana,  the  gallant  officers  and  men  in  it 
from  Bridgeport  had  a  splendid  opportunity  to  display  their  valor  in  the  hard-fought 
battles  around  New  Orleans.  The  Twelfth  also  played  an  important  part  in  these 
operations. 

Some  severe  fighting  was  done  by  the  Sixth  and  Seventh  in  Florida  during  the 
early  part  of  1862.  Captain  Gray,  of  Bridgeport,  received  honorable  mention  for 
distinguished  gallantry  in  several  desperate  battles. 

Although  Bridgeport  had  responded  generously  to  the  calls  made  upon  her  for 
men  already,  when  the  great  call  of  President  Lincoln  for  more  soldiers  was  issued 
in  July,  1862,  she  even  surpassed  her  former  efforts,  showing  an  increase  in  zeal  and 
devotion  though  the  black  cloud  of  defeat  was  then  hanging  over  the  country.  In 
the  Fourteenth  Regiment,  enlisted  during  the  mid-summer  of  '62,  Bridgeport  sent 
out  Company  A,  Captain  James  D.  Merritt.  The  Seventeenth,  Bridgeport's  "  dar- 
ling regiment,"  was  enlisted  at  the  same  time,  exclusively  from  Fairfield  County. 
The  city  was  largely  represented  in  Company  D,  Captain  William  II.  Lacey;  Com- 
E,  Captain  Henry  P.  Burr;  Company  G,  Captain  James  G.  Dunham;  Company  K, 
Captain  John  J.  McCarty. 

Colonel  William  H.  Noble,  the  gallant  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Seventeenth, 
and  its  Lieutenant-Colonel,  Charles  Walter,  were  two  of  Bridgeport's  most  honored 
citizens.  About  this  time  Bridgeport  came  to  be  called  "  the  Banner  Town  of  the 
State,"  having  furnished  seventy  men  more  than  her  quota — a  total  of  eight  hundred 
and  fifty  out  of  an  enrolled  militia  of  sixteen  hundred.  The  Seventeenth  Regiment 
was  quartered  in  a  fine  position  at  Sea-Side  Park,  called  "Camp  Aiken."  When  it 
left  for  the  field,  September  3,  1862,  a  very  large  concourse  of  people  from  all  parts 
of  the  county  had  come  to  the  city,  and  after  Governor  Buckingham  had  reviewed 
the  regiment,  it  was  given  a  most  enthusiastic  "  send-off  "  by  the  assembled  people. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  „  27 

In  its  ranks,  as  a  private  soldier,  marched  Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  of  Bridgeport,  the 
inventor  of  the  sewing  machine,  and  manager  of  large  industries  in  the  city. 

Bridgeport  also  sent  out  a  goodly  representation  in  the  Twenty-third  (raised  in 
November,  1862):  Company  D,  Charles  W.  Hall,  and  Company  I,  Captain  William 
H.  May,  being  largely  from  this  city.  It  was  also  represented  in  Company  K, 
Twenty-fourth  Regiment.  The  two  last-named  regiments  were  immediately  dis- 
patched to  take  part  in  General  Bank's  expedition  to  the  extreme  South. 

The  first  fighting  done  by  the  Bridgeport  men  in  the  Fourteenth  Connecticut  was 
at  the  battle  of  Antietam,  where  they  displayed  distinguished  valor.  .  They  were 
under  fire  for  thirty-six  hours,  and  a  large  number  of  men  were  lost.  In  the  desper- 
ate charges,  quick  marches  and  counter-marches  under  the  deadly  artillery  fire,  and 
more  dread  yet  the  long  standing  still  under  it,  they  won  a  reputation  for  coolness 
and  bravery  which  was  maintained  throughout  the  war.  For  the  first  time,  Bridge- 
port had  to  mourn  heavy  losses,  for  many  noble  heroes  of  private  rank,  who  had 
helped  to  build  up  her  prosperity  and  adorned  it  by  honorable  lives,  had  fallen,  ne'er 
to  gladden  again  the  hearts  of  the  sufferers  at  home. 

In  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  having  won  a  most  honorable  name  for  reliability 
in  danger,  the  Fourteenth  Connecticut  was  sent  forward  among  the  first  in  that 
terrible  charge,  where  the  Union  men  were  mown  down  like  wheat.  Again  did  the 
publication  of  the  reports,  and  the  "blacklist"  cause  many  sad  hearts  in  Brid  re- 
port. 

The  Seventeenth  were  employed  during  the  fall  and  winter  of  '62  in  maintaining 
the  defensive  works  about  Washington,  a  most  distasteful  task  to  men  chafino-  to 
take  part  in  the  great  struggles  which  were  deciding  the  fate  of  the  nation. 

The  Ninth  and  Twelfth,  with  their  quota  of  Bridgeport  men,  were  meanwhile 
performing  distinguished  services  in  the  engagements  in  Mississippi,  under  Grant, 
leading  up  to  the  siege  and  fall  of  Vicksburg. 

It  is  a  fact  worthy  of  mention  that  after  the  battle  of  Antietam,  the  soldiers  of 
his  regiment  being  in  need  of  money,  and  not  having  been  paid  off,  Elias  Howe 
advanced  the  thirteen  thousand  dollars  due  them. 

In  the  battle  on  the  Pocotaligo  River,  Florida,  where  gallant  fighting  was  done 
by  the  Sixth  and  Seventh  Connecticut  Regiments,  Lieutenant-Colonel  John  Speidal, 
who  commanded  the  former,  was  severely  injured,  and  Orderly  Sergeant  Robert  B. 
Gage,  of  Bridgeport,  after  displaying  heroic  bravery,  was  killed. 

The  Seventeenth  found  its  first  chance  for  showing  its  devotion  to  the  country  at 
Chancellorsville,  May  2,  1863.  Here  they  offered  spirited  resistance  to  the  masterly 
flank  movement  made  by  General  Stonewall  Jackson,  which  decided  the  battle.  A 
terrible  slaughter  was  made  of  the  men,  and  eighty  were  taken  prisoners.  Heroic 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Charles  Walter  was  killed  in  the  first  charge,  and  Colonel  Noble 
received  a  severe  wound,  yet  remained  on  the  field  as  long  as  he  could  see  to  manage 
his  horse,  when  he  had  to  be  taken  to  the  rear. 

The  Fourteenth  were  engaged  in  the  heavy  fighting  of  the  following  day,  May 
3d,  and  again  suffered  severely.  This  was  the  third  great  blow  which  fell  upon  the 
anxious  hearts  and  homes  in  Bridgeport,  and  to  add  to  the  general  grief  a  large 
number  of  its  citizens  were  among  those  who  were  marching  "  on  to  Richmond  "  as 
prisoners  of  war. 

Bridgeport  was  represented  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  by  her  men  in  the  Four- 


28  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

teenth  and  Seventeenth,  who  proved  themselves  again  worthy  of  the  highest  praise. 
The  Seventeenth  was  one  of  the  first  regiments  thrown  forward  as  skirmishers,  on 
the  first  of  July.  Though  outflanked  and  overpowered,  they  maintained  their  advance 
position  until  recalled  by  their  Corps  Commander,  General  Howard.  They  then 
occupied  a  position  in  the  very  center  of  the  long  Union  line.  During  the  second  of 
July,  the  Seventeenth  lay  quietly  but  with  heroic  fortitude  under  a  tremendous 
artillery  fire,  losing  a  large  number  of  men.  The  same  dread  story  was  repeated  the 
following  forenoon,  but  in  the  afternoon  came  the  crucial  contest.  When  that  ever- 
memorable  charge  up  the  hill,  under  General  Pickett,  broke  against  the  Union  line 
in  its  very  center,  the  men  of  the  Seventeenth  Connecticut  were  among  the  heroes 
who  met  the  tide  of  Confederacy  at  its  highest  flow,  and  saved  their  country  by 
making  an  invincible  bulwark  of  their  own  breasts.  Nothing  in  the  history  of  the 
world  surpasses  the  heroic  valor  displayed  on  both  sides  there,  and  naught  can 
hinder  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport,  now  that  we  are  a  united  country,  not  only  from 
honoring,  according  to  their  worth,  their  own  brave  fellow-citizens  present  in  the 
decisive  battle  of  the  war  and  the  decisive  point  in  it,  but  also  from  remembering 
with  tenderness  their  brave  opponents. 

The  Fourteenth  were  stationed  a  short  distance  to  the  left  of  the  Seventeenth,, 
and  were  not  surpassed  in  steadiness  or  fortitude  by  any  regiment  on  the  field.  It 
had  lost  a  large  number  of  men,  among  whom  were  several  of  Bridgeport's  most 
honored  and  most  mourned  citizens. 

The  Seventeenth  had  attested  its  devotion  by  the  loss  of  more  than  half  its  num- 
ber. Never  before  in  the  history  of  Bridgeport,  had  the  angel  of  death  passed 
through  and  laid  so  many  homes  in  deepest  mourning  for  martyred  loved  ones.  Col. 
W.  H.  Noble,  who  had  been  obliged  to  go  home  on  a  furlough  after  the  battle  of 
Chancellorsville,  in  his  anxiety  to  share  in  the  danger  of  the  struggle  with  the  regi- 
ment, returned  five  days  before  the  furlough  expired,  just  in  time  to  lead  his  men  in 
the  most  desperate  and  decisive  fighting  of  all  on  the  third  day. 

During  the  important  campaigns  around  the  Mississippi  River  in  the  summer  of 
1863,  Major  Fredrick  Frye  of  the  Ninth,  and  Captain  William  H.  May  of  the 
Twenty-third,  were  especially  active  and  rendered  most  valuable  services. 

The  Sixth  and  Seventh  Regiments,  still  together,  had  meantime  been  seeing  fur- 
ther dangerous  service  in  Florida  and  South  Carolina.  A  particularly  desperate 
battle  was  fought  at  Fort  Wagner,  in  Charleston  Harbor.  Here  Andrew  Grogan,  a 
private  from  Bridgeport,  gallantly  rescued  Colonel  Chatfield  of  the  Sixth,  who  had 
been  severely  wounded  within  the  fort  itself  which  had  been  partially  captured  by  a 
charge  unsurpassed  in  bravery  during  the  war.  For  his  services  Andrew  Grogan 
was  promoted  to  a  Lieutenantcy.  During  this  same  charge,  Lieutenant  Stephen  S. 
Stevens,  of  Bridgeport,  one  of  the  most  admired  and  loved  of  all  the  officers  in  the 
corps,  was  slain. 

The  Seventeenth  arrived  and  joined  the  other  two  Connecticut  Regiments  on 
Folly  Island,  just  off  Charleston  Harbor,  about  the  middle  of  the  series  of  bloody 
but  unavailing  battles  in  which  it  soon  became  an  important  participant.  In  con- 
sequence of  the  terrible  fighting  which  they  had  undergone,  the  various  State  Regi- 
ments had  to  be  repleted  by  a  draft  in  the  fall  of  1863,  to  which  Bridgeport  cheer- 
fully responded.  In  the  meantime,  those  at  home  had  not  been  unmindful  for  the 
warriors  in  the  field.     The  ladies  of  Bridgeport  had  been  particularly  active  in  pro- 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


29 


30  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

viding  for  their  every  want.  Their  society  for  aiding  the  soldiers  was  formed  in 
April,  1861,  immediately  after  the  President's  first  call  for  troops,  and  is  universally 
acknowledged  to  have  been  the  first  association  of  its  kind  in  the  country.  In 
August,  1861,  the  organization  was  completed  and"  called  the  "  Ladies'  Soldiers' 
Relief-Society."  Its  first  President  was  Mrs.  Woolsey  G.  Sterling,  who  was  succeeded 
by  Mrs.  Daniel  Thacher.  During  the  whole  course  of  the  war,  Miss  Lydia  R.  Ward 
was  its  devoted  Secretary.  In  the  first  year  of  its  existence  the  cash  receipts  were 
$2,618.21.  In  addition  many  thousand  articles  were  sent  to  the  soldiers,  and  one 
hundred  and  forty  of  their  families  were  assisted  with  food,  clothing  and  fuel. 

In  the  winter  of  1863-4,  this  society  conceived  and  executed  the  idea  of  filling  a 
ship  with  vegetables  and  other  provisions  and  sending  it  to  all  the  Connecticut  Regi- 
ments within  reach  of  the  Atlantic  coast.  This  noble  plan  proved  eminently  suc- 
cessful, bringing  health  and  joy  to  many  of  the  soldiers  needing  and  longing  for  such 
nourishment.  Few  local  societies  in  the  country  were  more  active  in  devising  and 
more  generous  and  skillful  in  carrying  out  plans  for  the  bodily  and  mental  refresh- 
ment of  the  soldiers.  The  city  itself  was  not  inactive.  There  was  contributed  in 
all  during  the  whole  course  of  the  war,  considerably  over  $200,000,  for  the  expenses 
of  the  government  and  aid  of  the  soldiers.  The  good  done  by  the  various  sources 
through  which  the  citizens  manifested  their*love  toward  the  soldiers  is  inestimable. 

The  sturdy  veterans  from  Bridgeport  had  a  furlough  in  the  early  part  of  1864, 
and  came  home  for  a  short  respite  and  rest.  It  would  be  vain  to  endeavor  to 
describe  their  reception.  After  a  few  weeks  of  happy  reunion,  they  returned  with 
steadfast  hearts  to  the  final  grapple  with  the  enemy.  The  majority  of  the  Bridge- 
port soldiers  were  now  united,  in  their  various  regiments,  under  Grant  and  went 
through  one  of  the  most  celebrated  campaigns  in  history.  The  Wilderness,  Spott- 
sylvania  Court  House,  Cold  Harbor  came  and  went  in  rapid  succession,  quickly  thin- 
ning their  ranks  and  leaving  aching  hearts  all  over  the  country.  The  Fourteenth 
particularly  distinguished  itself  again  for  gallant  services.  After  Petersburg  and 
Richmond  were  invested  it  maintained  its  honorable  standing  through  heavy  losses 
to  the  very  end.  Captain  William  H.  Hawley,  of  Bridgeport,  one  of  the  noblest  and 
most  admired  men  in  his  army  corps  as  well  as  at  home,  was  slain  August  25,  1864, 
during  a  gallant  charge  made  by  the  Fourteenth.  The  Sixth,  Seventh  and  Ninth 
were  now  honorably  engaged  before  Petersburg,  the  Twelfth  was  still  in  the  Missis- 
sippi Valley  and  the  Seventeenth  on  the  coast  of  South  Carolina.  Bridgeport  lost 
another  of  her  most  honored  citizens  in  Lieutenant  Franklin  Bartlett,  of  the  Four- 
teenth, who  was  shot  in  the  lines  before  Richmond,  February  5th,  1865.  Lieutenant 
Bartlett  was  very  highly  esteemed  by  both  his  officers  and  men  and  had  been  recom- 
mended for  a  captaincy. 

The  Sixth  and  Seventh  Connecticut  were  engaged  in  the  brilliant  operations 
resulting  in  the  capture  of  Fort  Fisher,  under  General  A.  II.  Terry,  January  13,  1865. 
For  their  gallantry,  the  Bridgeport  soldiers  in  connection  with  the  other  brave  Con- 
necticut veterans,  received  the  thanks  of  Congress  and  the  nation. 

During  the  masterly  campaigns  made  by  General  Sheridan  in  the  Shenandoah 
Valley,  Bridgeport  was  represented  in  the  Ninth  and  Twelfth  Connecticut  Regi- 
ments, both  of  whom  fought  with  invincible  bravery  in  the  battle  of  Cedar  Creek. 

Some  very  spirited  fighting  was  done  during  the  winter  of  1863-4,  by  the  Seven- 
teenth Regiment  under  Colonel  Noble,  who  was  now  in  charge  of  a  brigade.     By  a 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  31 


number  of  skillful  marches  through  the  State   (Florida),  Col.  Noble  succeeded  in 
maintaining  tbe  Union  interests  with  great  success. 

During  one  of  these  dangerous  excursions,  Lieutenant  Henry  Whitney  Chatfield 
was  instantly  killed  in  a  hand  to  hand  struggle  with  the  enemy.  He  was  dearly 
loved  in  the  army,  where  his  bravery  and  noble  character  had  attracted  much  atten- 
tion, and  no  death  was  more  generally  or  deeply  mourned  at  home.  For  distin- 
guished services,  Captain  "William  L.  Hubbell  of  the  Seventeenth,  from  Bridgeport, 
was  now  promoted  to  be  the  major  of  the  regiment.  Another  officer  who  attracted 
and  received  honorable  mention  for  his  gallant  conduct  in  the  campaigns  around 
Petersburg  was  Adjutant  Wm.  B.  Hincks  of  the  Fourteenth,  from  Bridgeport. 

Colonel  Noble  had  the  great  misfortune  to  be  captured  by  a  band  of  rebel  guer- 
rillas, December  24,  1864,  while  going  from  Jacksonville  to  St.  Augustine.  In  spite 
of  strenuous  efforts  made  by  his  men  to  rescue  him,  he  was  imprisoned  first  at  Talla- 
hassee, Florida,  then  at  Macon,  Georgia,  and  finally  in  the  dreadful  misery  of  Ander- 
sonville.  His  imprisonment  was  a  great  loss  to  the  brigade  he  commanded  in  East 
Florida,  and  to  all  the  Union  interests  in  that  part  of  the  State.  He  was  not  released 
until  April,  1865,  and  then  was  detained  some  time  before  he  was  able  to  rejoin  his 
troops  in  Florida  a  short  time  before  their  muster  out.  Of  the  Seventeenth  Re<n- 
ment,  which  he  commanded,  the  report  of  the  Adjutant-General  of  Connecticut  says, 
"  the  superiority  of  which  in  intelligence,  morale,  courage  and  endurance  was  not 
found  in  the  army." 

In  the  last  few  engagements  for  the  possession  of  Richmond,  and  during  Lee's 
hurried  retreat  to  Appomatox,  the  Bridgeport  soldiers  were  employed  in  their 
respective  regiments  with  their  usual  distinguished  valor.  Tbe  Fourteenth  was  amono- 
the  honored  corps  which  closed  around  the  last  remnants  of  Lee's  "  Grand  Army  " 
at  Appomatox  Court  House,  and  witnessed  the  surrender. 

The  men  of" the  gallant  Fourteenth  were  the  first  veterans  to  arrive  home  after 
the  war,  on  June  9th,  1865,  under  the  lead  of  Wm.  B.  Hincks,  who  had  been  pro- 
moted for  distinguished  services  to  be  major.  They  were  given  a  reception  and 
welcome  which  could  not  have  been  more  royal  or  hearty  in  its  expression. 

The  Seventeenth  was  the  next  to  arrive,  having  been  somewhat  delayed  by  pro- 
longed service  in  the  extreme  South.  They  came  by  way  of  New  Haven,  private 
Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  stepping  forward,  as  usual  in  an  emergency,  and  chartering  a  special 
train.  The  enthusiastic  welcome  given  this,  Bridgeport's  favorite  regiment,  can 
only  be  appreciated  by  those  who  gave  and  received  it.  The  veterans  of  the  Sixth, 
Seventh,  Twelfth  and  Ninth  arrived  in  rapid  succession,  and  met  with  the  warmest 
welcome  loving  and  grateful  hearts  could  render.  Those  who  received  their  own 
loved  ones  in  safety  now  began  to  realize  that  the  dread  watching  for  the  end  was 
over,  while  those  who  were  sadly  bereaved  endeavored  to  hide  their  tears  amid  the 
general  rejoicing. 

The  summary  of  what  Bridgeport  helped  to  achieve  in  the  war  for  the  Union  can 
best  be  appreciated  by  a  comparison  of  the  detailed  account  of  the  city's  own  work 
here  given,  with  the  complete  history  of  the  war,  showing  that  there  were  very  few 
important  movements  or  battles  in  which  its  citizens  did  not  take  an  honorable 
part. 

With  no  little  pride  and  gratitude  does  the  city  remember  what  her  noble  sons 
accomplished  at  Bull's  Run,  Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Port  Hudson, 


32 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


WASHINGTON    PARK,    EAST    BRIDGEPORT. 

Vicksburg,  Gettysburg,  Charleston  Harbor,  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania  Court  House 
Cold  Harbor,  Florida,  Petersburg,  Five  Forks  and  Appomatox.  The  record  could 
not  be  more  honorable.  Her  sons  did  not  so  much  aspire  for  high  honors  as  to  lay 
down  their  lives  for  liberty  and  their  country.  The  military  record  of  Brigadier- 
General  William  H.  Noble,  Lieutenant-Colonels  Charles  Walter  and  John  Speidal, 
Majors  Frederick  Frye,  William  B.  Hincks  and  William  L.  Hubbell,  and  of  all  her 
soldiers,  both  commissioned  and  private,  will  cast  lasting  honor  on  their  native 
city,  while  the  blessed  memory  of  such  men  as  Walter,  Hawley,  Chatfield,  Stevens, 
Bartlett,  and  her  other  martyr  sons,  will  be  an  incentive  to  noblest  effort  as  long  as 
Bridgeport  continues  to  exist.  As  prosperity  has  come  after  bitterness  and  tears, 
it  is  most  fitting,  as  well  as  most  inherently  valuable  to  the  life  of  the  city  itself,  to 
keep  the  remembrance  of  what  the  city  owes  to  her  heroes  with  unfailing  love,  and 
to  hand  down  to  the  children's  children  this  most  precious  legacy. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  33 


CHAPTER   IV. 
SINCE   THE  WAR. 

The  sudden  revival  of  business  interests  which  was  almost  universal  throughout 
the  land  during  the  latter  years  of  the  war,  had  considerable  effect  on  Bridgeport. 
The  vast  supplies  required  by  the  Government  for  its  struggle  set  businesses  which 
had  become  depressed  going  again  at  an  unnatural  and  unmaintainable  rate,  beside 
creating  many  new  industrial  houses.  The  reaction  from  the  moral  strain  of  the 
war  also  resulted  in  a  tendency  in  all  the  land  to  extravagance  unprecedented  in  our 
history.  These  factors  united  in  making  the  first  decade  after  the  war  a  time  of 
wild  speculation,  of  ill-based  business  operations,  and  of  luxurious  living,  until  the 
bubble  was  burst  by  the  great  panic  of  '73. 

During  all  this  period  the  cool,  clear-minded  citizens  of  Bridgeport,  by  careful 
watchfulness  succeeded  in  avoiding  the  tempting  illusions  of  the  time  and  many  of 
their  disastrous  effects.  The  immediate  years  after  the  war  witnessed  a  growth, 
steady  but  comparatively  slow.  The  tendencies  to  inflation  and  abnormal  pressure 
of  existing  powers  were  avoided. 

Little  that  is  wont  to  attract  the  historian's  pen  has  happened  in  these  twenty- 
two  years  since  the  war,  yet  they  are  some  of  the  most  important  in  Bridgeport's 
history.  As  has  been  remarked,  it  is  hard  to  draw  an  interesting  or  general  summary 
of  such  periods  of  "  noiseless  revolution,"  and  all  that  now  remains  is  to  give  some 
dim  conception  of  the  progress  which  has  been  made  and  the  manner  of  its 
making. 

In  the  year  1865,  Stillman  T.  Clapp  was  Mayor;  his  endeavors  to  get  the  city  on 
a  good  working  basis  and  started  again  on  the  old  line  of  progress  which  had  been 
interrupted  by  the  war,  were  ably  seconded  by  such  citizens  as  General  W.  H. 
Noble,  Monson  Hawley,  P.  T.  Barnum  and  Nathaniel  Wheeler.  All  the  depart- 
ments of  the  city  were  established  on  a  wider  and  more  efficient  basis.  The  Fire 
Department  in  particular  received  attention  for  the  first  time  since  184  V,  R.  B.  Lacey 
being  one  of  most  earnest  and  powerful  movers  in  this  matter. 

The  steam  fire  engines  D.  H.  Sterling  No.  1,  Protector  No.  2,  and  Excelsior  No. 
3,  the  first  ever  used  in  Bridgeport  were  added  to  the  department  in  '64  and  '65. 
The  volunteer  system  was  perfected  and  a  high  order  of  discipline  attained. 
The  volunteer  fire  department  was  disbanded  in  1872,  and  a  regular  paid  depart- 
ment established.  Charles  A.  Gerdenier,  who  had  been  the  able  chief  fore- 
man of  the  "  volunteers  "  since  1869,  was  now  appointed  chief-engineer,  which  office 
he  has  held  ever  since.  The  various  equipments  of  the  department  at  present,  con- 
sisting of  the  best  kind  of  engines,  carriages,  bell-towers,  alarms,  and  houses,  are 
estimated  to  have  cost  over  $100,000.     The  whole  force  numbers  sixty-two  men,  and 


34  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

is  under  the  control  of  a  Board  of  Commissioners  consisting  of  Samuel  W.  Baldwin, 
Wm,  E.  Seeley,  Eli  Dewhurst  and  Henry  Atwater.  The  efficiency  of  this  department 
in  the  past  has  been  an  important  element  in  the  prosperity  and  growth  of  the  city. 

The  Police  Department  was  also  improved  at  the  same  time,  and  has  been  main- 
tained at  a  high  standard  of  efficiency  up  to  the  present  time.  It  now  consists  of 
about  fifty  men  under  the  command  of  its  able  chief,  Captain  William  E.  Marsh. 

Another  important  work  which  has  been  carried  on  is  the  development  and  im- 
provement of  the  harbor.  In  1872,  the  first  dredgings  below  the  Lower  Bridge 
were  made,  and  have  since  been  continued  with  great  success.  The  harbor,  formerly 
one  of  the  best  on  the  coast,  has  been  made  yet  more  navigable.  Where  there  was 
five  feet  of  water  at  low  tide  before,  now,  through  the  excellent  engineering  work, 
there  is  always  twelve,  allowing  all  vessels,  except  those  of  extraordinary  weight,  to 
to  enter  at  any  time.  The  advantages  which  have  accrued  commercially  through 
this  improvement  are  very  great.  The  United  States  engineers  are  planning  to  con- 
struct a  channel,  twelve  feet  deep  and  three  hundred  wide,  from  Long  Island  Sound 
lip  to  the  Lower  Bridge,  and  to  extend  the  break-water  1,380  feet  out  from  the 
eastern  shore.  Other  improvements  are  contemplated  above  the  Lower  Bridge  where 
the  encroachment  of  new  buildings  erected  out  into  the  stream  have  created  a  need 
of  a  better  channel. 

The  improvement  and  growth  of  East  Bridgeport  since  the  war  has  been  one  of 
the  most  important  events  in  the  history  of  the  city.  General  W.  II.  Noble,  to 
whom  the  greatest  part  of  the  present  East  Bridgeport,  formerly  belonged,  and  P. 
T.  Barnum  saw  the  natural  advantages  of  the  place,  and  for  a  decade  before  the  war 
unitedly  effected  many  important  benefits  for  it.  In  1850,  General  Noble  mapped 
out  all  the  land  into  streets  and  building  lots  as  they  are  at  present  with  a  few 
exceptions.  Following  up  General  Noble's  idea,  Mr.  Barnum  decided  to  join  in  the 
development  of  the  real  estate  property.  He  purchased  one-half  of  the  property 
and  promised  to  advance  money  if  more  land  were  needed  for  this  new  district  of 
the  city.  Washington  Park  was  laid  out  and  ground  and  money  given  for  the  erec- 
tion of  the  M.  E.  Church  at  its  northwest  corner.  One  important  step  was  taken,, 
when  these  creators  of  a  new  town  had  the  foresight  to  plant  along  all  the  streets,. 
rows  of  beautiful  and  majestic  trees.  Houses,  stores  and  manufactories  soon  began 
to  spring  up  in  all  directions.  In  1852,  the  Center  Bridge  was  built  by  Messrs.  Bar- 
num and  Noble,  at  a  cost  of  $16,000.  It  continued  to  be  a  toll  bridge  until  pur- 
chased by  the  city.  Nathaniel  Wheeler,  William  H.  Perry,  Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  J.  D. 
Alvord,  Frederick  Hurd  and  other  strong  business  men  joined  in  the  movement  and 
soon  the  financial  standing  of  East  Bridgeport  was  firmly  established.  The  war  in- 
terrupted progress,  though  no  backward  steps  were  taken. 

Since  the  war  great  additions  and  improvements  have  been  continually  made,  so- 
that  the  growth  has  been  marvellous.  More  land  has  been  added  to  the  original 
property,  and  many  of  the  largest  industries  in  the  city  or  State  have  settled  here, 
erecting  buildings  not  surpassed  in  magnitude  or  value  by  any  in  the  country. 
"  Old  Mill  Green,"  now  called  Pembroke  Green,  has  been  made  into  a  beautiful 
park  of  about  twenty  acres.  James  W.  Beardsley  has  given  a  tract  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  acres  at  the  extremity  of  Noble  avenue,  to  be  made  into  a  park  by  the  city 
on  condition  that  $30,000  be  spent  upon  it  within  ten  years.  The  sum  of  $12,000 
has  already  made  this  a  most  picturesque  and  beautiful  park,  and  when  completed  it 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  35 

will  have  few  or  no  equals  in  New  England.  Pembroke  Cemetery  in  East  Bridge- 
port was  enlarged  and  made  one  of  best  in  the  city  in  1870.  Barnum  and  Noble 
avenues,  two  of  the  most  beautiful  in  this  region,  will  continue  to  transmit  to  a 
grateful  and  admiring  posterity  the  remembrance  of  what  these  two  "  fathers  "  of 
East  Bridgeport  have  accomplished  for  it. 

Under  the  wise  administration  of  its  leading  citizens  and  as  the  natural  result  of 
the  immense  expenditure  of  care  and  money  in  internal  improvements,  the  popula- 
tion of  Bridgeport  increased  from  19,876  in  1870  to  29,153  in  1880.  The  present 
decade  has  witnessed  yet  more  rapid  progress.  At  the  present  time  the  population 
of  the  city  is  estimated  by  the  best  authorities  to  be  about  40,000;  truly  a  wonder- 
ful progress  to  have  been  accomplished  almost  entirely  within  fifty  years. 

A  few  words  in  reference  to  some  of  the  chief  workers  in  the  development  of  the 
city  seem  pertinent.  Hon.  P.  T.  Barnum  was  born  in  Bethel,  Connecticut,  July  5th, 
1810.  The  persevering  genius  with  which  he  made  his  great  show  one  of  most  re- 
markable successes  in  the  history  of  this  or  any  other  country  and  built  up  a  massive 
fortune,  is  well  known  to  all,  and  a  matter  of  national  history.  In  1848  he  took  up 
his  residence  in  Bridgeport,  erecting  the  beautiful  villa  "Iranistan."  Since  that 
time  his  devotion  to  and  sacrifices  for  the  advancement  of  our  beautiful  city 
have  been  most  generous,  and  the  results  will  constitute  the  most  lasting  of  all 
monuments.  The  movement  for  Seaside  Park,  now  one  of  the  most  lovely  in  the 
State,  was  first  practically  inaugurated  by  his  donation  of  seven,  and  later  of  thirty, 
acres  of  land.  In  more  ways  than  can  well  be  recorded  he  has  lent  a  strong  hand  in 
everything  tending  to  build  up  the  city.  He  has  been  mayor  of  Bridgeport,  a  mem- 
ber of  State  Legislature  four  times,  and  held  the  presidency  of  the  Pequonnock  Na- 
tional Bank,  besides  many  other  important  offices.  The  remarkable  success  of  his 
life  and  the  devotion  to  high  moral  principle,  united  to  unceasing  work,  which  are 
the  underlying  causes  of  it,  furnish  a  striking  parallel  to  the  history  of  the  city 
which  he  has  so  loved  and  befriended. 

General  W.  H.  Noble  was  born  in  Newtown,  Connecticut,  August  13,  1813.  He 
was  graduated  at  Yale  College  with  honors  in  the  Class  of  1832.  He  came  to 
Bridgeport  in  1834,  for  some  time  was  a  teacher  in  his  father's  academy  on  Golden 
Hill,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1836.  The  great  value  of  his  services  in  build- 
ing up  East  Bridgeport,  and  his  brilliant  military  record  have  already  been  men- 
tioned. He  has  held  many  important  offices  in  the  city  and  State,  and  has  won  the 
esteem  and  gratitude  of  all  who  have  experienced  the  worth  of  his  character  and 
kindness  of  his  life. 

In  the  affairs  of  her  city  government  Bridgeport  has  been  fortunate  in  having 
able  men  who  have  been  untiring  in  their  efforts  for  the  advancement  of  her  prosper- 
ity.    Among  these  we  may  note  Daniel  H.  Sterling,  Frederick  W.  Parrott,  Rowland 

B.  Lacey,  E.  B.  Goodsell,  Amos  S.  Treat,  and  Curtis  Thompson,  besides  many  other 
eminent  citizens.     To  sustain  her  legislative  interests,  she  has  had  such  men  as  James 

C.  Loomis,  Philo  C.  Calhoun,  Judge  L.  M.  Slade,  S.  B.  Beardsley,  Judge  D.  B.  Lock- 
wood,  Colonel  J.  W.  Knowlton,  Daniel  N.  Morgan,  Russell  Tomlinson,  and  P.  W. 
Wren.  Her  interest  in,  and  appreciation  of  the  value  of  railroads  is  well  demon- 
stated  by  the  services  which  her  citizens  like  the  Hon.  W.  D.  Bishop,  Colonel  W. 
H.  Stevenson,  Colonel  Thos.  L.  Watson,  Alfred  Bishop  and  W.  S.  Knowlton  have 
rendered  them.     Among  the  most  honored  of  all  her  noble  men  is  Henry  S.  Sanford, 


36 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


37 


the  originator  of  the  movement  which  resulted  in  the  formation  of  Societies  for  the 
Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals  all  over  the  country,  and  who  had  devoted  much 
toil  to  that  work. 

The  history  of  Bridgeport  is  but  just  begun.  Only  the  few  first  lines  have  been 
written  of  that  epic  song  which  shall  continue  harmoniously  into  far  distant  time. 
Though  her  citizens  have  "  not  builded  better  than  they  knew,"  the  structure,  already 
of  great  beauty  and  size,  contains  elements  of  almost  unlimited  expansion,  and  the 
future  is  bright  with  hope.  As  long  as  the  spirit  and  genius  of  her  early  sons  inspire 
their  descendants,  so  long  will  Bridgeport  advance,  with  even  greater  rapidity  than 
in  the  past,  to  a  commanding  position  among  the  cities  of  our  land. 

THE  MAYORS  OF  THE  CITY  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


1836,  Isaac  Sherman,  Jr. 
1887,  Daniel  Sterling. 

1838,  Alanson  Hamlin. 

1839,  Charles  Foote. 

1840,  Charles  Bostwick. 

1841,  Wm.  P.  Burrall. 

1843,  James  C.  Loomis. 

1844,  Henry  K.  Harral. 
1847,  Sherwood  Sterling. 
1849,  Henry  K.  Harral. 

1851,  John  Brooks,  Jr. 

1852,  Henry  K.  Harral. 

1853,  Charles  B.  Hubbell. 

1854,  John  Brooks,  Jr. 

1855,  P.  C.  Calhoun. 
1858,  Silas  C.  Booth. 
1860,  D.  H.  Sterling. 

1863,  Clapp  Spooner 

1864,  Jarratt  Morford. 


1865,  Stillman  S.  Clapp. 

1866,  Monson  Hawley. 

1868,  Jarratt  Morford. 

1869,  Monson  Hawley. 

1870,  Jarratt  Morfoud. 

1871,  E.  B.  Goodsell. 

1874,  Robert  T.  Clarke. 

1875,  Phineas  T.  Bu<num. 

1876,  Jarratt  Morford. 

1878,  Robert  E.  DeForest. 

1879,  John  L.  Wessei.ls. 

1880,  Daniel  N.  Morgan. 

1881,  John  L.  Wessells. 

1882,  Carlos  Curtis. 

1883,  John  L.  Wessells. 

1884,  Daniel  N.  Morgan. 

1885,  Henry  H.  Pyle. 

1886,  Civilian  Fones. 

1887,  Civilian  Fones. 


38  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


CHAPTER  V. 
HISTORY    OF   COMMERCE    AND    MANUFACTURES   IN    BRIDGEPORT. 

Bridgeport  is  so  essentially  and  thoroughly  a  "  business  "  city,  that  the  general 
history  of  commerce  and  manufactures  has  necessarily  been  included  in  the  previous 
sketch  of  the  city's  life.  Yet  a  few  salient  points  briefly  presented  in  logical  con- 
nection may  serve  to  emphasize  the  importance  of  these  interests. 

In  the  early  days  when  Bridgeport  was  founded,  life  was  simple  and  its  wants 
few.  The  earth  supplied  the  greater  part  of  the  requisites  for  man's  sustenance,  the 
flocks  his  homespun  raiment.  What  one  man  lacked,  his  next-door  neighbor  prob- 
ably had  in  abundance.  So  it  is  not  surprising  that  for  the  first  fifty  years  or  more 
of  its  life,  Bridgeport,  commercially  speaking,  had  no  existence  at  all.  The  little 
farming  settlement  plodded  along  without  much  attention  to  mercantile  affairs  until 
the  beginning  of  the  Eighteenth  Century.  The  growth  of  the  surrounding  colonies 
and  the  increased  population  of  this  part  of  New  England  then  began  to  exercise 
considerable  influence.  In  1706,  we  find,  according  to  Orcutt's  history,  that  the 
Stratfield  Ecclesiastical  Society  authorized  Jos.  Bennit  to  act  in  the  capacity  of  a 
merchant  for  the  place.  The  wants  which  this  one  merchant  supplied  do  not  seem 
to  have  increased  very  fast.  Probably  a  few  merchants  of  whom  no  record  remains 
came  and  settled  in  the  little  village  as  it  slowly  increased  during  the  first  three 
quarters  of  the  Eighteenth  Century. 

But  the  Stratfield  society  offers  nothing  of  value  in  this  connection.  It  is  not 
until  the  time  of  the  Revolution  and  the  appearance  of  Newfield  at  the  head  of  the 
harbor  that  business  first  begins  to  exercise  its  beneficent  influence  on  the  progress 
of  the  town. 

During  the  later  years  of  the  Revolution  and  for  two  or  thi*ee  decades  thereafter 
the  shipping  trade  was  the  great  line  by  which  advancement  was  made  in  all  direc- 
tions. By  1786  an  important  commercial  interest  was  represented  in  the  various 
warehouses  and  wharves  which  began  to  cluster  around  that  part  of  the  harbor 
where  now  the  Lower  Bridge  stands. 

Captain  Stephen  Burroughs,  Major  Aaron  Hawley,  Abijah  Hawley,  Captain 
Abraham  Hubbell,  David  Minot,  Stephen  Summers,  and  William  De  Forest  were 
leading  merchants  in  this  first  establishment  of  commerce  in  Bridgeport,  carrying 
on  trade  with  New  York,  Boston,  West  Indies,  and  Baltimore,  the  amount  with  each 
place  being  in  accordance  with  the  order  in  which  they  are  named.  As  this  trade 
grew  and  prospered,  it  had  a  great  effect  in  building  up  the  city,  making  it  the 
-center  of  the  surrounding  district  and  creating  as  well  as  encouraging  home 
industries. 

Collaterally  with  this  trade,  the  manufacturing  interest  was   progressing  slowly 


BRIDGEPORT.  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  39 

though  destined  eventually  to  practically  supersede  the  other.  The  first  reference 
to  anything  of  the  kind  is  a  "  weaver  shop,"  belonging  to  Samuel  Porter,  and  prob- 
ably erected  and  set  in  operation  a  short  time  before  the  Revolution.  The  manu- 
facture of  hats  was  the  first  important  industry  introduced  here.  In  1792,  Thomas 
Gouge  established  a  hat  manufacturing  business  in  a  shop  on  the  corner  of  Middle 
and  Beaver  Streets,  and,  in  1793,  he  was  followed  by  Reuben  and  Smith  Tweedy. 
The  business  continued  to  grow,  a  number  of  capitalists  taking  an  interest  in  this 
line,  and  making  their  market  in  New  York,  until  1841,  when  it  seems  to  have  died 
out. 

The  manufacturing  history  of  Bridgeport  did  not  practically  begin  until  the 
close  of  the  war  of  1812-1815.  About  that  time  several  industries  of  large  propor- 
tions for  that  day  began  to  operate.  Salt  works  were  established,  turning  out  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  merchantable  salt,  which  lasted  as  a  profitable  investment  for 
ten  years,  being  superseded  by  a  cheaper  product  from  the  West  Indies.  Pewter 
ware,  such  as  cups,  spoons,  plates  and  buttons,  was  also  manufactured  to  some 
extent,  and  the  small  beginnings  of  cabinet-making,  leather-furnishing,  saddlery,  and 
carriage  building  started. 

In  1836  the  first  shirt  manufactory  in  the  country  was  established  here  by  David 
and  Isaac  N.  Judson,  who  made  their  market  in  New  York  City.  This  business 
prospered  beyond  anything  which  had  been  attempted  here  before,  and  several  other 
like  establishments  were  opened. 

A  younger  race  of  enterprising  business  men  had  now  sprung  up,  endowed  with 
progi'essive  ideas  and  determined  to  develop  the  possibilities  which  they  saw  before 
them  to  the  utmost.  Among  these  were  Isaac  Sherman,  Prosper  Wetmore,  Captain 
John  Brooks,  Jr.,  Henry  K.  Harral,  Curtis  Beard sley,  Fenelon  Hubbell,  F.  W. 
Parrott,  George  Wade,  Nathan  Buckingham,  Frederick  Lockwood,  John  S.  Cannon, 
C.  B.  Hubbell,  and  Daniel  Fayerweather. 

The  banking  business  at  this  time  was  all  conducted  by  the  Bridgeport  Bank> 
which  had  been  chartered  in  1806,  and  the  Connecticut  Bank,  chartered  in  1831. 
Most  of  the  other  banks  were  not  chartei*ed  before  the  latter  half  of  the  century,  the 
Bridgeport  Savings  Bank  being  chartered  in  1842,  the  Pequonnock  Bank  in  1851, 
the  Bridgeport  City  Bank  (now  the  City  National)  in  1854,  the  City  Savings  Bank  in 
1859,  the  People's  Savings  Bank  in  1860,  the  First  National  in  1864,  the  Mechanics' 
and  Farmers'  Savings  Bank  in  1873. 

Carriage-making  had  become  an  important  industry  by  1833.  Two  firms,  Carier 
&  Porter,  and  Mott  &  Burr,  had  existed  previous  to  that  time,  and  the  firm  of  Tom- 
linson,  Wood  &  Co.  started  in  that  year  as  one  of  the  largest  houses  in  the  town. 
The  following  year  steam  was  first  introduced  into  the  business  by  David  and 
Ebenezer  Wheeler.  The  establishment  of  such  houses  as  Nichols,  Peck  &Co.,  Hurd, 
Fairchild  &  Co.,  and  the  Union  Carriage  Company  soon  made  this  one  of  the  largest 
as  well  as  the  most  progressive  industry  the  city  had  yet  known.  The  saddlery 
business  had  also  prospered  and  held  its  own  as  one  of  the  leading  industries. 

The  foreign  commerce  gradually  declined  from  1840,  under  the  operation  of  the 
influences  which  have  tended  to  strangle  American  shipping.  About  the  time  of  the 
"  Gold-Rush "  to  California,  1848-54,  several  firms  for  carrying  on  business  there 
were  established,  one  of  them,  the  S.  F.  Hurd  &  Company,  being  very  successful, 
and  realizing  a  dividend  of  about  $200,000  in  four  years. 


40  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

The  inauguration  of  the  railroads  and  their  great  importance  has  already  been 
spoken  of.  The  Housatonic,  which  first  went  into  actual  operation  in  1844,  and  the 
Naugatuck,  started  in  1848,  made  Bridgeport  the  depot  and  center  for  the  trade  of 
all  the  western  part  of  the  State.  The  opening  of  the  New  York,  New  Haven  & 
Hartford  in  1848,  connected  Bridgeport  with  the  great  metropolis,  and  with  Boston, 
which  controls  a  large  part  of  the  eastern  trade.  As  a  result,  the  general  business 
interests  of  Bridgeport  received  a  strong  impetus,  the  effects  of  which  have  continued 
to  this  day. 

Since  1856,  when  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Sewing  Machine  Company  first  went  into 
operation  here,  Bridgeport  has  been  one  of  the  largest  manufacturing  centers  of 
these  monuments  to  American  genius  in  the  world.  This  great  industry  has  rapidly 
increased  until  it  has  reached  massive  proportions,  as  the  great  value  of  these  ma- 
chines has  come  to  be  universally  appreciated.  The  Howe  Sewing  Machine  Company 
made  its  headquarters  in  Bridgeport  in  1865,  where  its  already  extensive  business 
increased  more  rapidly.  The  latest  addition  to  this  line  of  industry  was  the  estab- 
lishment in  Bridgeport  in  1884  of  the  American  Hand  Sewing  Machine  Company, 
which  has  introduced  a  most  ingenious  invention  in  the  way  of  a  hand-sewing-ma- 
■chine,  sure  to  command  growing  appreciation. 

The  veteran  sewing-machine  inventor,  Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  was  born  at  Spencer, 
Mass.,  in  1819,  and  for  many  years  was  a  workingman  in  the  manufactories  of 
Lowell  and  Cambridge,  Mass.  After  years  of  poverty  and  toil  he  completed  in  1845 
a  sewing  machine  claimed  to  have  "  sewed  the  first  seam  made  by  machinery.1' 
Though  at  first  unsuccessful  and  almost  ruined,  at  the  end  of  twenty-seven  years' 
work  his  profits  amounted  to  about  $2,000,000.  He  volunteered  and  served  for  some 
time  as  a  private  soldier  during  the  war,  and  has  always  shown  a  most  affectionate 
interest  in  the  city  of  his  adoption. 

Allen  B.  Wilson,  was  born  October  18,  1824,  in  Willett,  N.  Y.  In  early  life  he 
worked  as  a  blacksmith,  and  in  1847,  without  ever  having  heard  of  such  a  thing  as 
a  sewing  machine,  he  conceived  a  plan  for  making  one.  After  long  experiments  he 
succeeded  in  1849  in  completing  the  first  machine  ever  made  fully  answering  all  the 
practical  purposes  needed.  In  1850,  Allen  B.  Wilson  met  Nathaniel  Wheeler  in 
New  York  city  and  the  first  sewing  machine  company  was  formed. 

Nathaniel  Wheeler  was  born  in  Watertown,  Ct.,  September  7,  1820.  Before 
1850  he  had  been  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  of  carriages,  tools  and  machinery. 
Since  the  formation  of  the  Wheeler  &  Wilson  Company,  and  its  establishment  in 
Bridgeport,  he  has  been  one  of  the  leading  sewing  machine  men  of  the  country.  He 
has  given  valuable  assistance  in  building  up  East  Bridgeport  and  manifested  a  deep 
interest  in  all  departments  of  the  city's  life  and  work.  He  has  been  its  represent- 
ative in  the  Senate  of  the  State. 

During  the  first  years  of  the  war  the  greatest  period  of  stagnation  in  Bridge- 
port's commercial  history  occurred.  Since  that  time  the  progress  has  been  steady 
and  increasingly  rapid  until  at  the  present  time  Bridgeport  bids  fair  to  fulfill  at  no 
distant  day  the  prophecy  of  a  recent  Governor  of  Connecticut,  "  that  it  is  des- 
tined to  be  the  metropolis  of  the  State." 

It  would  not  be  possible  to  particularize  all  the  lines  which  have  been  and  are 
now  being  followed  out  toward  the  development  of  Bridgeport's  great  commercial 
possibilities.     Among  them  are  the  manufacturing  of  corsets;  iron  and  steel,  both  in 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  41 

the  rough  and  in  the  form  of  intricate  machinery;  brass  goods;  machine,  and  many- 
other  lines  of  tools;  pianos  and  organs,  paper  boxes,  toys,  knives,  locks,  rubber- 
goods,  hats,  tacks,  buttons,  carpets,  carriages,  saws,  silk  goods,  gas-fittings,  and  gen- 
eral plumbers'  goods,  shoes,  silver-goods,  varnishes,  cartridges,  furniture,  paper,  cop- 
per goods,  wheels,  bronzes,  scissors,  springs,  britannia  goods,  beside  many  celebrated 
specialties. 

When  one  considers  that  at  present,  large  houses  are  engaged  in  all  the  above 
lines,  and  in  a  majority  of  the  many  such  houses  an  approximate  idea  may  be 
formed  of  the  great  variety  and  wealth  of  prospective  growth  the  manufacturing  in- 
terests of  Bridgeport  have  now  attained. 

As  must  necessarily  be  the  case  from  the  large  amount  of  freight  business,  the 
facilities  therefor  are  not  excelled  by  any  city  in  New  England.  The  New  York,. 
New  Haven  &  Hartford  offers  the  best  provisions  which  can  be  desired  for  reaching 
all  parts  of  the  country,  while  the  Housatonic  and  Naugatuck  command  a  large  and 
important  section  of  the  State.  The  despatch  of  freight  by  water  is  also  of  the 
most  convenient  and  rapid  order.  The  Bridgeport  Steamboat  Company  and  the 
People's  Steamboat  Line  with  their  fine  fleets  of  passenger  and  freight  steamers,  offer 
the  finest  opportunities  for  reaching  all  parts  of  the  country  through  New  York  city. 

The  mercantile  trade  has  increased  proportionally  with  the  advance  in  population 
and  spirit  of  the  city  itself.  At  the  present  time,  there  are  a  large  number  of  large 
trading  houses  in  the  city  which  for  magnitude  and  enterprise  are  hardly  to  be  ex- 
celled by  any  in  New  England,  while  they  compete  successfully  with  the  largest 
mercantile  houses  throughout  the  country.  As  an  example  of  the  enterprise  of  her 
merchants  it  might  be  well  to  cite  the  large  grain  elevator  of  Crane  &  Hurd,  which, 
at  the  time  of  its  erection  in  1871,  was  the  only  one  between  New  York  and  Boston. 

Much  of  the  business  prospei'ity  of  Bridgeport  has  been  due  to  the  wise  foresight 
and  action  of  the  Bridgeport  Board  of  Trade.  Organized  1875  to  meet  an  imperative 
need,  it  has  exercised  a  most  telling  influence  over  the  growing  industries  of  the  city. 
Its  original  officers  were:  President,  Robert  T.  Clarke;  vice-presidents,  Nathaniel 
Wheeler,  P.  T.  Barnum,  Jarratt  Morford,  E.  V.  Hawes,  and  J.  D.  Alvord;  secretary, 
T.  R.  Cruttenden;  treasurer,  Thomas  L.  Watson;  directors,  Robert  T.  Clarke, 
Nathaniel  Wheeler,  N.  Buckingham,  R.  B.  Lacey,  E.  V.  Hawes,  J.  Morford,  P. 
T.  Barnum,  B.  Soules,  James  Staples,  D.  W.  Sherwood,  J.  D.  Alvord,  Frederick 
Hurd,  A.  C.  Hobbs,  M.  W.  Seymour,  Hanford  Lyon,  George  Mallory,  S.  C.  King- 
man, D.  M.  Read,  C.  B.  Hotchkiss,  General  W.  H.  Noble,  E.  G.  Westcott,  E.  L. 
Gaylord,  N.  G.  Miller,  R.  Kost,  Charles  Hough,  E.  Parmly,  G.  W.  Bacon,  S.  W. 
Baldwin,  W.  H.  Wessels,  S.  C.  Nickerson,  E.  S.  Burnham,  and  Zalmon  Goodsell. 
Though  frequently  changing,  the  directors  of  the  Bridgeport  Board  of  Trade  have 
continued  to  represent  the  leading  business  men  of  the  city.  At  the  present  time, 
D.  M.  Read  is  serving  as  President  of  the  Board  for  the  eleventh  time,  and  R.  B. 
Lacey  for  the  tenth  time  as  Secretary. 

From  the  rare  union  of  prudent  conservatism  and  enthusiastic  progress,  which 
have  marked  the  past  years  of  Bridgeport's  commercial  history,  we  may  rest  assured 
that  not  only  has  the  foundation  been  firmly  laid,  but  the  materials  also  have  already 
been  prepared  with  which  her  business  men  are  constructing  a  superstructure  of  the 
highest  beauty  and  value. 


42 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  43 


CHAPTER  VI. 
EDUCATIONAL,   LITERARY   AND   SOCIAL. 

No  higher  praise  could  be  given  to  the  educational  system  of  Bridgeport  than 
that  it  is  worthy  of  the  city.  Upon  the  solid  ground-work  which  can  be  traced  back 
to  the  old  Puritan  days,  progressive  ideas  have  been  developing  a  higher  and  more 
liberal  school-culture  as  the  city  itself  has  been  pushing  forward.  About  the  time 
of  the  formation  of  the  Stratfield  Ecclesiastical  Society,  in  1690,  a  school  was 
organized,  of  which  the  Rev.  Charles  Chauncey  was  the  first  teacher,  and  since  that 
time  the  church  and  the  school  have  continued  to  work  alongside  of  each  other  in 
forming  noble  character.  Among  the  other  noted  pedagogues  of  that  day  in  Strat- 
field were  William  Rogers  and  John  Wheeler,  the  latter  receiving  £63  for  teaching 
a  summer  school  in  1736.  In  173S,  a  second  school  building  was  erected,  and  in 
1766,  Stratfield  was  divided  into  three  school  districts. 

It  has  been  found  a  most  interesting  branch  of  antiquarian  study,  though  time 
forbids  an  exhaustive  reference  here,  to  look  up  the  text  books  used  in  those  days, 
with  their  excessively  quaint  illustrations  and  the  queer  phraseology,  such  as  "Adam, 
he  ate  of  the  tree."  It  would  perhaps  be  well,  however,  not  to  be  too  critical,  when 
we  remember  that  this  was  the  intellectual  food  which  nourished  the  heroes  of  the 
Revolution. 

An  important  step  forward  in  the  educational  line  was  made  in  1796,  when  a  school 
society  was  organized  here,  in  accordance  with  a  recent  State  law,  to  superintend 
the  administration  of  the  schools.  About  this  time  considerable  money  was  given  to 
schools  by  the  State,  the  interest  of  the  sum  obtained  by  the  sale  of  the  "  Western 
Reserve  Lands"  being  distributed  for  this  purpose  by  the  legislature. 

The  "School  Society"  continued  in  existence  until  1856,  when  the  system  of  to- 
day with  a  few  changes  was  adopted.  The  spirit  of  the  town  is  admirably  shown 
by  the  action  it  took  in  1858,  to  abolish  the  required  tuition  money  and  establish 
a  free  school  system,  ten  years  previous  to  the  time  when  the  State  made  such  action 
compulsory  and  universal. 

In  1875,  after  considerable  discussion,  in  which  Henry  T.  Shelton  through  the 
Standard  took  a  leading  part,  it  was  voted  to  unite  all  the  eleven  school  districts  in 
Bridgeport  under  one  government,  and  a  Board  of  Education  was  organized.  Its 
original  officers  were:  President,  James  C.  Loomis;  Vice-president,  Daniel  H.  Ster- 
ling; Secretary,  Henry  T.  Shelton;    Superintendent,  Henry  M.  Harrington. 

Since  that  time  the  growth  of  the  schools  has  been  continuous  and  marked.  In 
1877,  a  commodious  brick  building  was  erected  on  the  site  of  the  old  Island  Brook 
school-house,  Avhich  had  been  destroyed  by  fire.  A  training  school  for  teachers  was 
opened  in  1879.     The  large   and   beautiful   High  School  building  was  completed  in 


44  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

1882.  The  new  plan  which  was  adopted  for  heating  and  ventilating  it  has  attracted 
attention  and  approval  all  over  the  country.  The  excellent  discipline  and  the 
unusually  broad  range  of  study  offered  have  justly  rendered  the  Bridgeport  High 
School  one  of  the  most  famous  in  the  State.  Two  extensive  school-houses,  of  a  most 
attractive  architectural  style  and  approved  internal  arrangement,  were  erected  in 
1884.  A  worthy  precedent  was  established  in  1885  by  the  donation  by  Hon.  P.  T. 
Barnum  of  $1,000  for  the  awarding  each  year  of  two  gold  medals  to  the  two  schol- 
ars in  the  High  School  "who  shall  write  and  publicly  pronounce  the  best  two  English 
orations." 

One  interesting  fact  recently  brought  out  is  the  discovery  by  statistics,  that  the 
cost  per  scholar  of  maintaining  the  schools  in  Bridgeport  is  the  lowest  of  any  city 
in  the  State,  being  $15.43  for  each  scholar  a  year.  This  demonstrates,  in  connection 
with  the  unexcelled  advantages  offered,  a  most  excellent  wisdom  in  the  application  of 
funds  and  an  enviable  simplicity  of  machinery  in  the  management  of  the  educational 
interests.  One  of  the  most  successful  teachers  Bridgeport  ever  had,  as  well  as  one 
of  those  who  have  done  most  to  perfect  the  school  system,  is  Miss  Lydia  R.  Ward. 
In  private  schools,  Bridgeport  has  always  been  highly  favored,  and  in  particular  the 
Golden  Hill  Seminary  and  the  Hillside  Seminary  are  two  of  the  best  known  young 
ladies'  boarding  schools  in  this  part  of  the  country,  drawing  a  large  patronage  from 
the  best  families  of  New  York  and  other  cities. 

Bridgeport  has  always  felt  a  most  decided  interest  in  literary,  scientific  and 
social  affairs.  The  old  "  Philomathean  Society  "  bears  ample  evidence  to  the  strength 
of  their  regard  for  the  former.-  This  society  was  organized  in  1855,  and  contained 
many  of  the  most  cultured  men  of  the  city,  some  of  whom  have  since  won  high 
honors  in  professional  life.  It  continued  its  debates  and  literary  work  up  to  1866. 
Of  late  years,  several  successful  reunions  have  revived  the  recollection  of  how 
popular  it  was  and  how  much  good  it  did. 

The  Bridgeport  Scientific  Society,  organized  in  1877,  has  had  a  prosperous  and 
progressive  existence.  Among  its  early  officers  were  President  H.  N.  Powers,  D.  D. ; 
Vice-President,  Clarence  Sterling;  Secretary,  Geo.  C.  Waldo;  Treasurer,  T.  E.  Peck; 
Librarian,  Leonard  Sterling;  Historian,  Annie  Sterling.  Much  valuable  scientific 
research  and  experimentation  has  been  done,  particularly  in  the  line  of  botany. 
A  large  herbarium,  in  addition  to  an  extensive  museum  and  library  have  been 
collected  within  its  rooms  in  the  Wales  Building  on  Main  Street. 

Bridgeport  has  possessed  a  large  number  of  able  papers  since  it  first  emerged 
into  some  faint  resemblance  to  a  town.  The  date  of  their  commencement  has  been 
as  follows:  The  Bridgeport  Farmer,  originally  started  as  the  Republican  Farmer  in 
1790,  ran  successfully  until  the  time  of  the  Civil  War,  when  it  aroused  much  open 
hostility  for  its  disloyal  sentiments.  Since  that  time  it  has  continued  to  grow  and  to 
prosper,  until  it  has  come  to  occupy  a  leading  position  among  the  great  journals  of 
the  State.  The  American  Telegraph  was  started  in  1795,  by  Lazarus  Beach  but  did 
not  survive  many  years.  The  Bridgeport  Herald,  started  in  1805;  the  Bridgeport 
Advertiser,  1806;  the  Connecticut  Courier,  1810;  the  Connecticut  Patriot,  1826;  the 
Spirit  of  the  Times,  1831;  the  Bridgeport  Chronicle,  1848;  the  first  Bridgeport 
Leader,  1854;  all  these  had  a  comparatively  brief  and  unimportant  existence. 

The  initial  number  of  the  Republican  >Sta?idard  was  published  by  A.  A.  Petten- 
gill,  editor  and  proprietor,  in  1839.     Mr.  Pettengill  about  the  same  time   purchased 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  45 

the  Bridgeport  Republican,  originally  started  in  1830,  and  in  1848  he  took  Julius  S- 
Hanover  as  a  partner  into  the  management  of  the  Standard.  A  daily  issue  was 
begun  in  1854.  The  management  of  the  paper  passed  from  the  hands  of  Pettengill 
and  Hanover  into  the  control  of  John  D.  Candee,  in  1863.  The  chief  editorial  work 
has  since  been  done  by  Mr.  Candee.  The  Standard  Association,  with  a  capital  stock 
of  830,000,  and  Mr.  Candee  as  president,  was  organized  in  1867.  Mr.  Geo.  C.  Waldo 
was  associated  with  Mr.  Candee  as  assistant  editor  in  1867,  and  at  the  present  time 
the  business  management  is  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  A.  Wheeler.  The  Standard 
has  always  been  thoughtful  and  active  in  promoting  the  best  interests  of  the 
city. 

The  Bridgeport  Sun,  a  leading  weekly,  was  first  published  in  1867,  by  William 
H.  May,  who  has  continued  as  editor  ever  since,  as  the  Budget.  Captain  May  gained 
editorial  celebrity  during  the  war  by  publishing  the  only  successful  paper — The  Old 
Flag— issued  by  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  pungent  style  and  inde- 
pendent spirit  of  the  Sun  have  made  it  at  once  respected  and  liked. 

The  Morning  Netos  was  originally  published  by  Major  Henry  M.  Hoyt,  L.  C. 
Prindle  and  John  Beardsley  in  1874,  and  after  a  discontinuance  of  several  years  was 
again  started  by  Major  Hoyt,  with  the  assistance  of  A.  W.  French  and  T.  W.  Wood, 
in  1879.  Rufus  A.  Lyon  and  L.  C.  Prindle  took  control  of  the  paper  in  February, 
1885,  and  in  December  of  the  same  year  the  sole  interest  of  editorial  and  business 
management  was  vested  in  Mr.  Prindle.  For  six  or  seven  years  the  News  has  been 
one  of  the  most  popular  mediums  of  accurate  and  early  reports  of  events  in  all  parts 
of  the  world. 

One  of  the  most  successful  newspaper  ventures  of  recent  years  is  the  Evening 
Post,  first  issued  by  George  W.  Hills,  in  1883,  as  a  four-column  sheet,  about  the  size 
a  "handkerchief,"  as  a  contemporary  remarked.  Within  three  months  it  had  in- 
creased to  five  columns;  six  months  saw  it  a  six-column  paper,  and  in  a  little  over  a 
year  after  its  inception,  it  had  become  a  seven-column  daily,  the  exact  size  and  make 
up  of  the  New  York  Sun.  George  W.  Hills  assumed  a  partnership  with  his  brother 
Henry  M.  Hills,  in  January,  1885,  forming  the  firm  of  Hills  Brothers.  The  Post  has 
met  with  great  success,  its  circulation  and  advertising  patronage  steadily  increasing 
and  placing  it  in  the  front  rank  among  the  leading  papers  of  this  part  of  the  State. 
Like  the  Morning  Neios  and  Sun  it  is  "  independent  in  all  things." 

The  Bridgeport  Public  Library  and  Reading  Room  has  played  an  important  part 
in  the  literary  culture  of  the  people.  It  was  started  about  1830,  and  continued  a 
free  library  until  1857,  when  the  Bridgeport  Library  Association  was  formed  and 
for  more  than  twenty  years  it  was  carried  on  as  a  subscription  library,  a  fee  being 
charged  for  membership.  In  1881,  as  the  result  of  a  movement  in  which  Judge  D.  B. 
Lockwood,  Clarence  Sterling  and  John  D.  Candee  took  a  prominent  part,  a  "free  public 
library  "  was  established,  which  received  the  volumes  of  the  old  association  and  as- 
sumed all  of  its  debts.  The  original  officers  were  :  President,  W.  D.  Bishop;  Vice- 
President,  John  D.  Candee;  Secretary,  Charles  Sherwood;  Treasurer,  William  B. 
Hincks;  Directors:  Frederick  Hurd,  W.  J.  Hills,  S.  S.  Blake  and  Bernard  Winghofer. 
The  library  has  since  met  with  unvarying  success,  receiving  the  support  of  the  best 
citizens  of  the  city.  Among  the  more  important  donations  which  it  has  received  are 
the  following  :  The  gift  of  one  hundred  dollars  from  Mrs.  James  C.  Loomis;  the 
donation  of  one  thousand  dollars  worth  of  new  books  from  the  Hon.  P.   T.   Barnuin, 


46  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

and  the  bequeath  by  Mrs.  Catherine  A.  Pettengill  in  January  1883,"  of  the  valuable 
and  beautiful  structure  called  the  "Burroughs  Building,"  to  be  converted  into  a 
permanent  home  for  the  library.  The  number  of  volumes  now  in  the  library  is  in 
the  neighborhood  of  the  seventeen  thousand,  and  the  present  membership  is  about 
seven  thousand. 

The  Rev.  Horatio  Nelson  Powers,  D.D.,  was  a  resident  of  Bridgeport  and  Rector 
of  Christ  Church  of  this  city  from  1875  until  1885.  He  exercised  a  powerful  influ- 
ence for  higher  education  and  culture  during  his  residence  here.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  and  first  President  of  the  Bridgeport  Scientific  Society.  Valuable  literary 
contributions  were  made  by  him  to  such  periodicals  as  Harper's  Magazine,  Century, 
LippincotVs,  International  Review,  Critic,  Independent,  and  he  was  the  American 
contributor  to  the  prominent  French  journal,  JO  Art.  He  wrote  the  following  works: 
"  Through  the  Year,"  "  Early  and  Late,"  a  volume  of  poems,  and  "  A  Brief  Biog- 
raphy of  William  Cullen  Bryant."  Among  his  celebrated  literary  friends  were  Bay- 
ard Taylor,  Bryant,  and  Philip  Gilbert  Hamerton  of  England.  The  influence  of 
such  gifted  men  as  Dr.  Powers  has  been  like  seed  sown  on  good  ground. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Ray  Palmer  was  born  in  New  Haven,  May  2,  1834.  He  grad- 
uated at  Yale  University  in  the  Class  of  '55,  and  at  Andover  Theological  Seminary 
in  1859.  After  a  pastorate  of  twelve  years  at  the  Tabernacle  Church  in  Salem, 
Mass.,  he  came  to  Bridgeport  to  take  charge  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  in 
whose  service  he  devoted  his  untiring  energies  until  the  close  of  his  life.  The  beau- 
tiful serenity  of  his  character  and  the  powerful,  though  unconscious  expression  of 
his  loving  humanity  were  as  strong  aids  to  noble  thinking  and  loving  in  others  as 
the  outward  influence  which  he  exerted  through  his  sermons  and  poems.  It  is  as  a 
writer  of  sacred  hymns  that  "  Ray  Palmer  "  will  be  chiefly  remembered  as  a  brilliant 
member  of  our  list  of  American  poets.  There  is  no  question  that  he  was  the  greatest 
composer  of  sacred  hymnology  this  country  has  ever  had,  and  some  of  his  best  poems, 
as  "  My  faith  looks  up  to  Thee,"  will  remain  as  master-pieces  of  the  English  language. 
His  recent  death  has  caused  universal  sorrow  in  the  hearts  of  those  whom  he  had 
cheered  and  strengthened  by  his  beautiful  poems. 

The  Rev.  John  Lyon  is  another  of  the  literary  men  to  whom  Bridgeport  owes 
much  of  its  high  culture.  Born  in  Glasgow,  Scotland,  in  December,  1844,  he  studied 
at  Glasgow  University,- and  came  to  this  country  in  1867.  He  accepted  the  call  of 
the  Bridgeport  First  Universalist  Church  in  1876,  and  since  that  time  has  labored 
assiduously  here  for  the  advancement  of  morality  and  the  right.  He  has  contrib- 
uted many  powerful  articles  to  the  great  journals  and  periodicals,  and  at  the  present 
time  is  about  to  publish  a  novel  entitled  "Vergilia,  a  Tale  of  the  Primitive  Church." 
He  received  the  honorary  degree  of  A.M.  from  Tufts  College  in  1886. 

During  the  dark  days  of  the  Revolution,  the  Rev.  Robert  Ross,  the  pastor  of  the 
Congregational  Church  in  Stratfield  at  that  time,  composed  several  stirring  patriotic 
poems,  and  at  a  later  date  some  school  text-books  of  value.  Of  recent  years  the  can- 
didate for  Holy  Orders  from  Christ  Church  parish,  C.  W.  de  L.  Nichols  has  attained 
favorable  criticisms  for  articles  on  historical,  literary  and  philosophical  subjects. 

Bridgeport  has  always  had  an  abundance  of  warm  social  feeling  which  is  charac- 
teristic of  New  England,  as,  among  other  things  the  number  and  prosperity  of  her 
societies  will  testify.  The  third  lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  in  Connecticut 
was  chartered  at  Stratfield,   February   12,    1762,  as  the  "St.   John's  Lodge."     The 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  47 


lodge  continued  to  meet  in  Stratfield  for  sometime,  but  was  removed  to  Fairfield 
December,  1762,  where  it  remained  until  it  was  moved  to  Bridgeport  again  in  1789. 
Since  the  beginning  of  the  century,  the  lodge  has  grown  steadily  in  numbers  and 
influence,  despite  the  adverse  criticism  temporarily  excited  in  1831  and  1832  by  the 
troubles  in  New  York  State,  and  at  the  present  time  it  numbers  about  five  hundred. 
Other  Masonic  organizations  have  been  formed  in  Bridgeport  in  the  following  chron- 
ological order  :  Jerusalem  Chapter,  No.  13,  R.  A.  M.,  1813;  Jerusalem  Council, 
No.  16,  R.  andS.  M.,  1S27;  The  Hamilton  Commandery,  No.  5,  Knights  Templar,  with 
sixteen  charter  members,  in  May,  1858;  De  Witt  Clinton  Lodge  of  Perfection,  in 
May,  1858;  Pequonnock  Chapter,  R.  C,  June  1,  1858;  Washington  Council,  P.  of  J., 
June  1,  1858;  Lafayette  Consistory,  S.  P.  of  R.  S.,  June  1,  1S58;  Corinthian  Lodge, 
No.  104,  F.  and  A.  M.,  was  founded  in  1868,  and  at  the  present  time  it  numbers 
about  one  hundred  members. 

Pequonnock  Lodge,  No.  4,  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  was  the  fourth 
organized  in  the  State,  receiving  its  charter  in  1841.  The  society  prospered  for  a 
number  of  years  until  the  approach  of  the  war  drew  away  attention  temporarily 
from  social  matters,  so  that  the  Pequonnock  Lodge  had  to  be  abandoned  in  1860. 
The  charter  of  Pequonnock  Lodge  was  renewed  in  1869,  and  the  society  has  since 
met  with  unalloyed  prosperity.  Its  present  handsome  rooms  in  the  Burroughs 
building  were  first  occupied  in  1873.  Steuben  Lodge,  No.  83,  was  chartered  in 
April  1867,  being  chiefly  composed  of  Germans,  and  has  continued  to  increase  stead- 
ily in  numbers  and  wealth.  The  lodge  formerly  met  in  a  hall  on  Water  street,  but 
since  1879  it  has  occupied  the  beautifully  arranged  and  adorned  rooms  in  Stanton 
Block.  Lessing  Lodge,  No.  94,  was  established  in  1874,  as  an  offshoot  of  Steuben 
Lodge,  and  Arcanum  Lodge  was  chartered  in  1875. 

In  1876,  the  first  lodge  was  established  in  East  Bridgeport  under  the  name  of  the 
Harris,  No.  99,  ond  its  success  has  been  exceptional  since  the  beginning.  In  addi- 
tion to  these  lodges  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  two  Encampments  have  been  established;  the 
Stratfield,  No.  23,  in  1869,  with  a  present  membership  of  one  hundred,  and  the 
Bridgeport,  No.  22,  established  in  1870,  numbering  at  the  present  time  about  ninety 
members.  About  four  hundred  of  the  Bridgeport  Odd  Fellows  belong  to  the 
Mutual  Aid  Association  of  that  Order  while  several  of  the  lodges  give  extra  aid,  in 
addition  to  the  regular  benefits  given  by  the  Order  to  members  during  sickness. 
The  whole  amount  which  has  accrued  to  Bridgeport  members  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  from 
benefit  funds  since  186  7  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  $18,000;  the  whole  number  of 
members  who  have  joined  the  organization  since  that  time  is  estimated  to  be  about 
twelve  hundred. 

There  are  besides  these  organizations  in  Bridgeport,  some  fifty  other  social 
bodies  of  which  fifteen  are  temperance  societies.  Among  these  latter  are  the  follow- 
ing: Pequonnock  Lodge,  No.  30,  Good  Templars,  organized  March  22,  1866;  Non- 
pareil Lodge,  No.  187,  Good  Templars;  Living  Spring  Division,  No.  22,  Sons  of 
Temperance;  Bridgeport  Division,  No.  24,  Sons  of  Temperance;  St.  Mary  T.  A.  B. 
Society,  organized  in  May,  1868;  Father  Matthew  Young  Men's  T.  A.  B.  Society, 
organized  in  October,  1868;  St.  Patrick's  T.  A.  B.  Society,  organized  in  October, 
1868;  Crystal  Fount  Temple  of  Honor  and  Temperance;  The  Women's  Christian 
Temperance  Union. 

Among  the  other   organizations  are  a  Bible   Society,   a   Medical  Association,  a 


48 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


Dramatic  Society,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Knights  of  Honor,  the  Firemen's 
Benevolent  Association,  the  Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals,  the 
St.  George,  Caledonian  and  Emmett  Clubs,  and  the  Ladies'  Charitable  Society. 


SEASIDE    INSTITUTE,    COR.   ATLANTIC    AND    LAFAYETTE    AVENUES. 


This  building  is  being  erected  by  Warner  Brothers  for  the  use  of  their  em- 
ployes, and  will  be  completed  about  September  1,  1887.  It  will  comprise  a  Restau- 
rant, Free  Reading-Room,  Library,  Bath-Rooms,  a  large  Public  Hall,  and  rooms  for 
Evening  Classes.  It  is  a  very  substantial  and  elegant  building,  and  will  cost,  when 
complete,  about  $60,000. 

The  Young  Men's  Christian  Association  was  first  organized  in  Bridgeport  in  18G8 
and  achieved  valuable  results  in  religious  and  social  work  during  the  next  four  years, 
after  which  it  was  discontinued  for  a  time.  The  association  was  reorganized  in 
June,  1883,  and  was  incorporated  in  February,  1884.  Mr.  W.  E.  Colby,  the  General- 
Secretary  of  the  Salem,  Mass.,  Association,  was  secured  for  the  new  Bridgeport  As- 
sociation, and  gave  valuable  assistance  in  the  inauguration  of  successful  Avork.  He 
has  continued  to  serve  the  Association  up  to  the  present  time,  uniting  in  his  manage- 
ment of  the  affairs  of  the  Association  an  unusual  executive  ability  with  that  broad 
acquaintance  with  men  and  methods  so  essential  in  this  department  of  Christian  Avork. 
The  beautiful  building  now  occupied  by  the  Association  Avas  first  made  its  home  in 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  49 

November,  1883.  As  the  Association  has  been  increasing  rapidly,  it  lias  gradually 
outgrown  the  limits  of  its  present  home  and  is  spreading  out  its  work  in  every  direc- 
tion. Sunday  afternoon  services  are  held  every  week  in  the  Association  Hall  at  four 
•o'clock.  Religious  meetings  are  also  held  during  the  week.  One  of  the  most  effec- 
tive of  its  departments  is  the  educational,  where  instruction  is  given  in  vocal  music, 
penmanship,  book-keeping  and  other  practical  studies.  Special  attention  is  given  to 
the  subject  of  physical  culture,  and  arrangements  made  so  that  its  members  can 
develop  their  bodily  powers  to  their  highest  efficiency.  Social  work  is  made  the 
recipient  of  much  care  and  effort,  while  departments  are  maintained  for  employment 
boarding-houses,  and  boys.  The  present  officers  of  the  Association  are:  President, 
Dr.  I.  DeVer  Warner,  vice-presidents,  Daniel  W".  Kissam,  Daniel  E.  Marsh,  Marshall 
E.  Morris;  treasurer,  Francis  W.  Marsh;  recording  secretary,  Dr.  W.  II.  Donaldson; 
general  secretary,  W.  E.  Colby;  auditor,  Geo.  Munger.  The  zeal  with  which  this 
important  work  is  carried  on  and  the  valuable  results  obtained  seem  in  characteris- 
tic keeping  with  the  city  itself. 

Bridgeport  has  never  lost  the  interest  in  the  church  for  which  the  early  fathers 
were  so  noted.  At  the  present  time  there  are  twenty-two  large  and  active  churches 
in  the  city,  consisting  of  five  Episcopal,  five  Methodist,  four  Congregational,  four 
Catholic,  two  Baptist,  one  Presbyterian  and  one  German  Reformed,  besides  a  large 
number  of  smaller  Christian  organizations  and  Mission  Chapels.  Bridgeport  may 
well  be  called,  as  is  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  the  "  city  of  churches."  The  whole  atmosphere 
of  the  city  seems  to  partake  of  that  busy,  genial  spirit  which  enlivens  its  inhabitants, 
and  the  stranger  can  not  long  remain  within  its  boundaries  without  feeling  not  only 
that  he  has  come  to  a  thoroughly  awakened  modern  city,  but  also  that  he  is  in  the 
midst  of  a  people  who  have  for  generations  been  noted  for  the  high  culture  and  genial 
courtesy  which  help  to  constitute  the  noblest  manhood. 


50  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
BIOGRAPHICAL. 

As  a  result  of  the  valuable  and  scholarly  researches  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Orcutt,. 
whose  exhaustive  History  of  Bridgeport  it  has  been  our  privilege  to  consult,  the 
biography  of  modern  Bridgeport  is  unusually  full  and  interesting,  and  we  accord- 
ingly desire  to  give  a  few  of  the  more  important  facts  in  regard  to  the  life  and 
work  of  such  of  our  prominent  citizens  as  have  not  already  been  mentioned,  disclaim- 
ing all  attempts  at  a  complete  record,  which  would  be  impossible  within  our  space, 
and  referring  all  desiring  fuller  and  more  detailed  information  in  this  department  to 
the  great  historical  work  of  Mr.  Samuel  Orcutt.  The  leading  facts  will  be  grouped 
under  the  individual  names  of  our  principal  citizens. 

James  Walker  Beardslet  is  a  native  of  Monroe,  Connecticut,  and  a  descendant 
in  regular  line  from  William  Beardsley  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Stratford.  He  is 
deeply  interested  in  antiquarian  research,  in  which  field  he  has  accomplished  much 
valuable  work  in  the  way  of  local  historical  matter.  He  is  a  fitting  type  and  repre- 
sentative of  the  progressive  yet  conservative  New  England  farmers,  who  have  done 
so  much  for  the  advancement  of  the  city  and  State,  and  his  name  will  be  gratefully 
remembered  as  long  as  the  city  exists  and  enjoys  the  beauties  and  health-giving, 
privileges  of  Beardsley  Park. 

Sidney  B.  Beardsley  was  born  in  Monroe,  Connecticut,  August  20,  1822,  being 
the  son  of  Cyrus  H.  and  Maria  (Burr)  Beardsley,  and  a  descendent  of  one  of  the 
oldest  and  best  families  of  the  State.  After  receiving  a  thorough  education  at 
Wilton  Academy  and  Yale  College,  he  studied  law  with  Reuben  Booth  of  Danbury, 
and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  Norwalk  in  1843.  Since  1866  he  has  resided  and 
practiced  at  Bridgeport.  He  was  State  Senator  in  1858,  and  was  elected  Judge  of 
the  Superior  Court  in  1874.  He  ranks  among  the  leading  masters  of  jurisprudence 
in  the  State. 

Alfred  Bishop  was  born  in  Stamford,  Connecticut,  December  21,  1798,  being 
the  son  of  William  and  Susannah  Bishop,  and  a  descendant  in  a  direct  line  from  the 
Rev.  John  Bishop,  the  second  minister  of  Stamford.  After  several  years  of  exper- 
ience in  teaching  school  at  Stamford  and  at  farming  in  New  Jersey,  where  he  made 
experiments  in  transporting  earth,  etc.,  and  educated  himself  for  his  great  career  as 
a  canal  and  railroad  contractor,  he  entered  upon  this  work,  and  among  the  greatest 
achievements  he  made  after  that  time  were  the  Morris  canal  in  New  Jersey;  the 
bridge  over  the  Raritan  at  New  Brunswick;  the  Housatonic,  Berkshire,  Washington 
&  Saratoga,  Naugatuck,  and  New  York  &  New  Haven  railroads,  for  all  of  which  he 
was  the  chief  contractor.  He  was  engaged  in  immense  operations  up  to  almost  the 
last  moment  of  life,  and  his  sudden  death,  June  11,  1849,  was  a  great  loss  and 
bereavement  to  Bridgeport,  where  for  a  number  of  years  previous  he  had  made  his. 
home. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  51 

Rev.  Ethan  Ferris  Bishop  was  born  in  Madison,  New  Jersey,  March  27,  1825. 
He  was  a  son  of  Alfred  and  Mary  Ferris  Bishop.  Like  his  father,  lie  early  became 
interested  in  railroad  matters,  was  president  of  the  Naugatuck  Railroad  from  1851  to 
1855,  and  held  important  interests  in  the  New  York  &  New  Haven,  Washington  & 
Saratoga,  Milwaukee  &  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  Watertown,  Dubuque  &  Sioux  City, 
and  the  Bridgeport  Steamboat  Co.  He  studied  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  but 
never  practiced.  He  was  also  a  deep  and  earnest  student  of  theology,  for  which  his 
mind  seemed  admirably  fitted.     He  died  in  Bridgeport,  December  7,  1883. 

Hon.  William  D.  Bishop,  also  a  son  of  Alfred  Bishop,  was  likewise  distinguished 
in  the  railroad  enterprises  of  the  State.  He  was  for  several  years  at  a  critical  time 
in  its  history,  president  of  the  New  York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford  Railroad  Com- 
pany, and  has  been  one  of  the  most  influential  directors  of  the  road  for  many  years. 
He  graduated  from  Yale  College  in  1849;  represented  this  district  in  the  National 
Congress  from  1859-61,  where  he  took  an  active  part  in  the  important  discussions  of 
the  time;  was  a  representative  of  Bridgeport  in  the  State  Legislature  for  1871,  and 
a  State  Senator  in  1877  and  1878. 

Dr.  Isaac  Bronson  was  born  in  Middlebury,  Connecticut,  March  10,  1760.  He 
served  as  a  surgeon  to  the  Continental  army  throughout  the  Revolutionary  War, 
and  after  a  journey  to  Europe  and  India,  settled  in  Philadelphia  in  1792,  where  for  a 
number  of  years  he  practiced  his  profession  with  great  renown  during  the  dreaded 
yellow  fever  epidemics,  and  laid  the  fonndation  of  marked  financial  success.  He 
came  to  Greenfield  Hill,  Connecticut,  in  1796,  and  in  1807  was  elected  first  president 
of  the  Bridgeport  Bank,  which  office  he  held  with  honor  for  twenty-one  years.  He 
died  at  the  age  of  80,  May  19,  1839. 

John  Dutton  Candee  was  born  in  Pompey,  Onondaga  County,  New  York, 
June  12,  1819.  His  parents  removed  to  Connecticut  about  1825,  and  his  father 
having  died  in  the  year  following,  his  mother  with  six  children  made  her  home  in 
New  Haven,  where  Mr.  Candee  spent  a  great  part  of  his  youth.  Since  the  age  of 
nine  he  has  supported  himself  entirely,  without  any  assistance  from  relative  or  friend. 
At  thirteen  he  entered  upon  work  in  a  printers' office  as  "roller  boy,"  and  during  the 
next  ten  years  gained  a  thorough  mastery  of  the  business.  He  earned  his  way 
through  Yale  College,  graduating  in  the  Class  of  1847,  and  from  the  Law  School  in 
the  Class  of  1849.  After  a  long  and  honorable  career  in  the  practice  of  his  profes- 
sion in  Iowa  and  New  Haven,  and  a  few  months'  experience  in  the  editorial  manage- 
ment of  the  New  Raven  Morning  Journal  and  Courier,  he  came  to  Bridgeport  and 
purchased  a  two-thirds  interest  in  the  daily  and  weekly  Standard,  September,  1863, 
which  during  the  last  twenty-four  years  he  has  conducted  with  marked  ability, 
devoting  every  talent  and  energy  to  the  service  of  the  people,  advocating  fearlessly 
all  movements  in  behalf  of  right  and  progress,  and  exercising  a  wide  influence  for 
the  best  welfare  of  the  city. 

Major  Frederick  Frye  was  born  in  1824,  and  was  the  son  of  Daniel  M.  Frye, 
of  New  York  city,  grandson  of  Capt.  Frederick  Frye,  and  great-grandson  of  Colonel 
James  Frye,  of  Andover,  Massachusetts,  who  fought  with  distinguished  honor  at  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill,  receiving  wounds  which  eventually  caused  his  death.  Major 
Frye  was  a  graduate  of  Columbia  College,  and  at  the  time  of  the  war  was  practicing 
law  in  Bridgeport.  Being  the  last  descendant  of  such  a  honorable  line  of  warrior 
ancestors,  he  naturally  enlisted  among  the  first  as  a  captain  in  the  Third  Connecticut 


52  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

Regiment  and  afterward  as  a  captain  in  the  Ninth,  serving  with  valor  worthy  of  his 
name  and  race  at  Bull  Run,  New  Orleans,  Port  Hudson,  Cedar  Creek,  Five  Forks, 
and  many  other  great  battles  throughout  the  war,  receiving  the  promotion  to  Major 
for  his  gallant  services.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  settled  in  New  Orleans  as  a 
lawyer  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  reconstruction  work,  being  at  one  time  Justice 
of  the  Sixth  District  of  New  Orleans.  He  was  obliged  to  leave  the  law  on  account 
of  ill  health,  and  occupied  a  clerkship  in  the  Custom  House  until  his  death,  June  22, 
1881. 

Hon.  Epaphros  Burr  Goodsell  was  born  in  1817  at  Brookfield,  Connecticut. 
After  receiving  the  best  common  school  education  in  his  native  town,  and  an  experi- 
ence as  merchant,  manufacturer  and  postmaster  at  Kent,  Connecticut,  he  came  to 
Bridgeport  in  1848,  where  he  was  soon  recognized  as  a  prominent  citizen,  and  was 
appointed  to  the  postmastership  of  the  city  in  1852,  by  President  Franklin  Pierce. 
He  administered  the  office  with  great  success  and  popularity  for  eight  years,  until 
the  election  of  Lincoln  and  change  of  parties.  He  held  the  mayorality  of  the  city 
for  1871-2-3,  beside  other  important  offices  and  trusts.  He  was  a  prominent  Christ- 
ian worker  and  philanthropist,  and  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Trinity  Episcopal 
Church,  of  which  he  was  Junior  Warden  at  the  time  of  his  death,  October  10,  1884. 
He  was  widely  respected  and  admired  for  his  noble  Christian  character,  and  the  persist- 
ent spirit  of  progress  which  had  rendered  him  a  most  successful  "  self-made  "  man. 

William  B.  Hall  is  a  native  of  Springfield,  Massachusetts,  and  a  son  of  Will- 
iam Stewart  Hall,  of  Wallingford.  He  began  his  successful  career  as  a  business 
man  as  a  clerk  in  the  store  of  T.  P.  Chapman  of  New  Haven,  July  15,  1846.  Four 
years  later  he  came  to  this  city  and  engaged  himself  to  the  firm  of  E.  Birdsey  &  Co., 
dry-goods  merchants,  with  whom  he  remained  until  1857,  when  he  formed  a  part- 
nership with  Mr.  D.  M.  Read,  under  the  firm  name  of  Hall  &  Read.  This  company 
was  dissolved  in  1877,  after  twenty  years  of  great  progress,  and  since  that  time  Mr. 
Hall  has  conducted  the  immense  and  growing  interests  of  the  firm  of  W.  B.  Hall  & 
Company  with  such  remarkable  success,  that  the  building  of  the  company  has  had  to 
be  enlarged  several  times,  and  the  custom  and  reputation  of  the  house  have  attained 
a  wide  recognition  throughout  the  United  States. 

Sherman  Hartwell  was  one  of  the  most  influential  business  men  of  the  city 
during  the  middle  part  of  the  present  century.  He  was  elected  president  of  the 
Bridgeport  Bank  in  1849,  and  for  twenty  years  continued  to  overlook  its  affairs  with 
wisdom,  the  period  being  one  of  the  most  progressive  and  prosperous  in  the  history 
of  the  bank.  In  1869  he  was  obliged  to  positively  decline  a  reelection  to  the  presi- 
dency, at  which  time  the  following  resolution  was  passed  by  the  board  of  directors: 
"  Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  board  are  due  and  are  hereby  tendered  to  Sher- 
man Hartwell  for  efficient  and  valuable  services  as  president  of  this  bank  for  the  last 
twenty  years,  and  as  evidence  of  the  prosperity  of  the  bank  it  may  be  stated  that  it 
has,  during  the  said  twenty  years,  paid  its  stockholders  in  dividends  the  sum  of 
$430,700,  on  a  capital  of  $212,000,  and  increased  its  surplus  $40,000."  After  a  long 
and  distinguished  business  career,  Mr.  Hartwell  departed  this  life  January  16,  1876. 

Abijah  Hawtley  was  one  of  the  leading  merchants  of  Bridgeport  at  its  first 
advent  into  prominence  as  a  commercial  center,  and  came  of  one  of  the  oldest  and 
wealthiest  families  of  this  vicinity.  He  carried  on  an  extensive  shipping  trade, 
chiefly  with  Boston  and  the  West  Indies,  about  the  beginning  of  the  present  century, 
and  was  prominent  and  influential  in  the  establishment  of  the  Bridgeport  Bank. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  53 


Rev.  Gideon  Hawley  was  born  in  Stratfield,  November  5,  1727.  He  came  of 
an  old  and  honored  family,  his  parents  being  Gideon  and  Eunice  (Jackson)  Hawley. 
He  graduated  at  Yale  College  in  1749,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Fairfield 
East  Association  in  1750.  He  early  resolved  to  be  a  missionary  to  the  Indians,  and 
first  at  Stockbridge,  Massachusetts,  then  among  the  Iroquois  on  the  Susquehanna 
River,  and  later  among  the  Marshpee  tribe,  he  labored  unceasingly  for  fifty  years 
with  an  unselfish  devotion  and  powerful  love  which  have  made  him  one  of  the 
most  honored  of  the  early  missionaries  to  this  persecuted  race. 

Munson  Hawley,  son  of  Abijah  Hawley,  the  pioneer  merchant,  succeeded  his 
father  as  one  of  the  leading  and  successful  business  men  of  Bridgeport.  In  1869  he 
was  elected  president  of  the  Bridgeport  National  Bank,  which  office  he  has  continued 
to  hold  during  the  last  eighteen  years,  and  has  administered  with  marked  ability, 
economy,  and  uninterrupted  success.  He  was  mayor  of  the  city  in  1866  and  1868, 
and  has  for  many  years  taken  a  leading  part  in  the  advancement  all  along  the  line  of 
the  highest  welfare  of  Bridgeport. 

Alfred  Charles  Hobbs  was  born  in  Boston,  Massachusetts,  October  7,  1812, 
the  son  of  John  L.  Hobbs  of  London,  England,  an  expert  carpenter  and  joiner.  Left 
an  orphan  by  the  death  of  his  father  when  he  was  three  years  old,  Mr.  Hobbs  spent 
most  of  his  youth  in  helping  his  mother  in  the  support  of  the  family.  He  tried  vari- 
ous trades  in  his  young  manhood,  including  those  of  farmer,  dry-goods  merchant, 
wood-carving,  sailor,  carriage  painting  and  making,  tin  plating,  coach  trimming  and 
harness  making,  none  of  which  succeeded  in  satisfying  his  inventive  mind.  Finally 
as  an  accessory  of  glass-making  he  began  to  work  upon  locks,  and  found  the  field  in 
which  he  was  to  obtain  world-wide  fame.  He  entered  the  partnership  of  Jones  & 
Hobbs,  and  for  five  years  carried  on  the  lock  business  in  Boston.  After  this  firm 
Avas  dissolved  Mr.  Hobbs  went  to  New  York,  where  he  connected  himself  with 
Edwards  &  Holman,  lock  and  safe  makers,  and  later  with  the  celebrated  bank  lock 
makers,  Day  &  Newell.  During  all  this  time  he  had  been  perfecting  his  knowledge 
of  locks,  and  now  entered  upon  a  career  as  an  expert  in  locks  and  demonstrator  of 
their  true  character,  which  has  probably  never  been  equalled.  He  was  so  remarkably 
skillful  in  the  opening  of  locks  which  had  always  been  considered  invulnerable  that 
he  received  the  commendation  of  the  Treasury  Department  at  Washington  and 
many  prominent  business  men  all  over  the  country.  In  a  visit  which  he  made  to 
England  in  1851  he  was  honored  with  the  approbation  and  admiration  of  the  Duke 
of  Wellington,  Queen  Victoria,  and  many  other  prominent  members  of  the  royal 
family.  His  career  at  the  Crystal  Palace  and  as  the  opener  of  such  celebrated  locks 
as  the  "  Brahma  "  and  "  Chubb  "  was  one  continued  ovation,  and  dm-ing  his  residence 
of  nine  years  in  London  he  received  distinguished  honors  as  a  talented  scientist  and 
operator.  He  established  an  extensive  business,  which  grew  to  be  so  famous  that  on 
his  return  to  America  in  1860,  a  large  premium  was  paid  for  the  privilege  of  retain- 
ing his  name  in  that  of  the  firm.  He  was  the  chief  superintendent  of  Elias  Howe's 
great  machine  factories  in  Bridgeport  for  four  years,  and  in  1865  became  the  man- 
ager of  the  manufacturing  department  of  the  Metallic  Cartridge  Company  of  this 
city,  which  has  since  grown  rapidly  and  been  greatly  prospered  under  his  successful 
supervision. 

Captain  George  Hoyt  was  a  native  and  prominent  citizen  of  Bridgeport  during 
its  early  commercial  history.     In  his  youth  he  was  a  seaman,  and  later,  at  the  organ- 


54  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

ization  of  the  Bridgeport  Bank  he  was  elected  its  first  cashier,  which  office  he  dis- 
charged with  great  honor  and  ability  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  July,  1825. 

Captain  Salmon  Hubbell  was  another  of  our  early  business  men,  who  played  an 
important  part  in  building  up  the  trade  of  the  young  town.  He  came  to  Bridgeport 
from  Wilton  about  1790,  and  for  more  than  twenty  years  successfully  conducted  a 
dry  goods  and  grocery  business  here.  He  was  a  captain  and  paymaster  in  the  Con- 
tinental Army  during  the  Revolution,  and  fought  with  the  gallant  company  that 
captured  Stony  Point  under  General  "Mad  Anthony  "  Wayne.  He  was  elected  in 
1820  to  be  the  first  town  clerk  of  Bridgeport,  whieh  duty  he  fulfilled  with  general 
approbation  for  several  years,  his  records  being  still  preserved,  written  in  an  unu- 
sually elegant  penmanship  and  style. 

Philo  Hurd  was  born  July  25,  1795,  in  Brookfield,  Connecticut,  where  he  ob- 
tained a  thorough  common  school  education  and  an  invaluable  practical  knowledge 
upon  his  father's  farm.  At  the  age  of  fifteen,  after  a  short  period  of  study  at  a 
private  school,  he  began  his  commercial  life  at  the  store  of  Oliver  Warner,  in  New 
Milford,  where  he  obtained  considerable  success  until  after  the  war  of  1812.  In 
company  with  Frank  Taylor,  he  opened  a  dry  goods  store  at  Augusta,  Georgia,  in 
1816,  and  after  a  prosperous  career  there  spent  a  few  years  in  business  at  Darien, 
Connecticut.  He  and  his  brother,  Samuel  Ferris  Hurd,  started  a  dry  goods  store  in 
this  city  in  1S23,  under  the  name  of  P.  &  S.  F.  Hurd.  He  also  engaged  in  the  coast- 
ing and  whaling  interests,  and  was  sheriff  for  a  term  of  ten  years.  In  1838  he  first 
became  interested  in  railroad  affairs,  with  which  he  was  afterward  so  intimately  and 
and  successfully  connected,  having  taken  a  prominent  part  in  the  inception  of  the 
Housatonic,  New  York  &  New  Haven,  Naugatuck,  and  Madison  &  Indianapolis 
railroads,  and  been  vice-president  of  the  Hudson  River  Railroad,  and  president  of 
the  New  York  &  Harlem,  which  latter  road  owes  a  large  share  of  its  prosperity  to 
his  self-sacrificing  efforts.  He  was  active  and  prominent  in  the  civil,  religious  and 
charitable  affairs  of  Bridgeport.  He  died  August  14,  1885,  at  the  age  of  90,  having 
accomplished  a  work  which  in  magnitude  and  influence  is  granted  to  few  men  in 
this  life. 

William  S.  Knowlton  was  born  in  Shrewsbury,  Massachusetts,  September  27, 
1810.  He  learned  the  occupation  of  a  cutler  in  his  youth  but  soon  abandoned  it  for 
the  field  of  music,  graduating  at  a  leading  conservatory  and  producing  many  well- 
known  and  admired  compositions  between  1838  and  1842.  After  1848  he  was  exten- 
sively engaged  in  railroad  work  and  formed  a  copartnership  which  received  many 
large  contracts,  including  much  work  on  the  New  York  &  New  Haven.  He  was  the 
contractor  of  the  Congress  Street  Bridge,  besides  many  other  large  works  in  the 
city,  and  ever  took  great  interest  in  forwarding  her  prosperity. 

Colonel  Julius  M.  Knowlton  is  the  son  of  Wm.  S.  Knowlton  and  was  born 
November  28,  1838,  in  Southbridge,  Massachusetts.  He  received  the  greater  part  of 
his  education  in  the  public  and  private  schools  of  Bridgeport,  beiDg  particularly  pro- 
ficient in  mathematics  and  civil-engineering.  For  a  year  or  so  before  the  war  he 
was  engaged  in  the  coal  business  here,  and  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Co.  A,  Fourteenth; 
Connecticut  Volunteers,  being  soon  promoted  to  the  position  of  commissary  sergeant 
and  within  a  few  months  to  be  brigade  commissary  under  General  Dwight  Morris. 
He  served  with  distinction  and  praise  at  Antietam,  by  unparallelled  efforts  bringing  his 
supplies  to  the  fiont  and  being  the  first  to  furnish  provisions  to  a  brigade  on   the 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  55 

field.  He  was  promoted  to  the  second  lieutenancy  of  Company  C  of  the  Fourteenth, 
and  commanded  his  company  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  where  he  received  several 
wounds  which  incapacitated  him  for  further  active  service  during  the  war.  He  has 
since  been  connected  with  the  Adams  Express  Company  in  this  city;  was  one  of  the 
three  purchasers  of  the  Standard,  in  1863,  and  for  ten  years  secretary,  treasurer  and 
business  manager  of  the  company;  was  superintendent  of  the  Moore  Car  Wheel 
Company  of  Jersey  City;  and  chief  of  the  dead  letter  division  of  the  post  office 
department  of  the  United  States  at  Washington,  which  he  administered  with  signal 
fidelity  and  success  until  1875,  when  he  was  appointed  to  the  postmastership  of 
Bridgeport.  This  office  he  conducted  with  much  more  than  ordinary  devoted 
care  and  vigor,  which  were  very  thoroughly  appreciated  by  the  people.  He  was 
a  member  of  Governor  Jewell's  staff,  ranking  as  colonel,  has  served  several  years  in 
the  legislature  and  Republican  State  Committee,  besides  holding  many  other 
important  positions  of  honor  and  trust  in  the  city  and  Grand  Army. 

Rowland  Bradley  Lacey  was  born  in  Easton,  Connecticut,  April  6,  1818,  an 
only  son  of  Jesse  and  Edna  (Mason)  Lacey.  He  received  his  education  at  the 
district  school,  Mr.  Eli  Gilbert's  select  school  in  Redding,  and  the  Easton  Academy. 
Before  he  was  sixteen  years  of  age  he  was  teaching  school,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen 
came  to  Bridgeport  and  for  four  years  was  assistant  postmaster  of  the  borough.  In 
1839,  he  became  Bridgeport  agent  of  the  Housatonic  Railroad,  and  continued  in  rail- 
road work  with  success  until  1844,  when  he  entered  the  establishment  of  Messrs- 
Harral  &  Calhoun,  saddle  manufacturers.  He  soon  became  a  member  of  the  firm, 
and  at  the  death  of  Mr.  Harral  in  1858,  the  name  became  Calhoun,  Lacey  &  Co.,  and 
in  1863  was  changed  to  Lacey,  Meeker  &  Co.  He  was  one  of  the  most  active  and 
successful  of  our  self-made  business  men  and  has  always  been  intimately  connected 
with  the  best  interests  of  the  city,  including  the  fire  department,  educational  depart- 
ment, Common  Council,  as  city  auditor,  in  all  of  which  and  in  other  fields  he  has 
contributed  inestimably  to  the  advancement  and  well  being  of  the  city.  His  work 
in  the  line  of  local  history  has  been  particularly  valuable  and  to  no  other  man  now 
living  is  it  more  due  that  the  historical  archives  of  Bridgeport  are  so  unusually  and 
richly  supplied. 

Rev.  Peter  Lockwood  was  born  in  Bridgeport,  February  S,  1798.  He  was  the 
third  son  of  Lambert  and  Elizabeth  Lockwood,  descended  from  one  of  the  oldest 
Puritan  families.  He  entered  Yale  College  in  1813,  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  graduating 
there  in  1817,  and  at  the  Andover  Theological  Seminary  in  1820.  He  engaged  in 
evangelistic  work  in  New  York  and  Richmond,  Virginia,  for  the  next  three  years, 
after  which  he  engaged  in  pastoral  and  educational  work  in  Western  New  York 
State,  dying  at  Binghamton,  New  York,  November  16,  1882,  after  over  sixty  years 
of  happy  and  successful  Christian  service. 

Hon.  James  C.  Loomis  was  born  April  24,  1807,  in  Windsor,  Connecticut.  He 
prepared  for  college  at  the  Hartford  Grammar  School,  entering  Yale  in  1824  and 
graduating  with  honors  in  1828.  He  studied  law  at  Charlotteville,  Virginia,  and 
under  Judge  Clark  Bissell  of  Norwalk,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  Fairfield 
County  in  1832.  After  several  years  of  successful  practice  at  Saugatuck  (Westport), 
he  removed  to  Bridgeport  in  1840  and  immediately  took  a  high  rank  in  his  profes- 
sion and  judicial  affairs  of  the  city.  He  was  city  attorney  for  several  years;  mayor 
of  the  city  in  1843;  represented  Bridgeport  several  times  in  both  houses  of  the  State 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESET  T. 


Legislature;  was  a  member  of  the  Corporation  of  Yale  College;  and  president  of  the 
Fairfield  County  Bar  Association,  Board  of  Education,  Mountain  Grove  Cemetery 
Association  and  the  Bridgeport  Library  Association,  besides  holding  many  other 
important  trusts.  His  influence  as  first  president  of  the  Board  of  Education,  com- 
missioner of  "Seaside  Park,  and  many  other  movements  for  the  good  of  the  city, 
endeared  him  to  all  the  citizens  and  has  placed  his  name  among  the  greatest  and 
most  public  spirited  men  of  Bridgeport.     He  died  September  16,  1877. 

Daniel  Nash  Morgan  was  born  in  Newtown,  Connecticut,  August  18,  1844, 
His  father  was  Ezra  Morgan,  of  Redding,  descended  from  one  of  the  oldest  families 
in  the  State,  and  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  public  men  of  his  part  of  the  State^ 
representing  Newtown  in  the  legislature  for  several  years  and  holding  many  import- 
ant offices.  Daniel  Morgan  commenced  his  mercantile  career  in  his  father's  store  at 
the  age  of  sixteen,  and  soon  after  attaining  his  majority  came  to  Bridgeport  and 
engaged  himself  as  clerk  to  Taylor  &  Joyce,  dry  goods  merchants.  He  has  since 
been  a  member  of  several  leading  business  firms  of  Bridgeport  including  those  of 
Birdsey  &  Morgan,  and  Morgan,  Hopson  &  Co.  He  has  served  the  city  as  member 
of  the  Common  Council  for  two  years,  member  of  the  Board  of  Education,  Mayor  in 
1880  and  1884,  member  of  the  lower  house  of  legislature  in  1883  and  State  Senator 
1 884-1 886.  He  has  held  the  position  of  President  of  the  City  National  Bank  since 
1879,  is  first  vice-president  of  the  Mechanics  and  Farmers  Savings  Bank,  and  a 
director  of  the  Bridgeport  Hospital,  having  led  in  these  and  many  other  important 
works  for  the  good  of  the  city  for  many  years. 

Henry  R.  Parrott,  son  of  Frederick  W.  and  Lucella  (Remer)  Parrott,  was  born 
in  Bridgeport,  January  4,  1829.  His  education  was  obtained  in  the  private  schools 
of  Bridgeport  and  the  Danbury  Academy.  He  started  in  business  at  the  dry  goods 
store  of  Beers  &  Oviatt,  and  for  a  number  of  years  gained  valuable  experience  in  the 
employ  of  James  W.  Beach,  E.  Birdsey  &  Co.,  and  the  Adams  Express  Co.  In  1869 
he  organized  the  Parrott  Varnish  Company,  which  he  has  since  conducted  with 
unwavering  success.  He  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  civil  affairs,  having  been  for 
several  years  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  Common  Council,  and  Board  of 
Police  Commissioners.  He  has  for  many  years  advocated  and  aided  in  working  for  a 
parallel  road  between  New  York  and  Boston,  and  is  at  present  the  president  of  the 
New  York  and  Connecticut  Air  Line  Railway  Company,  which  owes  its  prosperity 
and  almost  its  existence  to  his  energy  and  wise  efforts. 

Henry  Seymour  Sanford  was  born  in  1832,  and  was  the  only  son  of  David  C. 
Sanford,  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Connecticut.  He  graduated  from  Yale 
College  with  honors  in  the  Class  of  1  852,  and  practiced  law  in  New  Milford  from 
1854  to  1864,  since  which  time  he  has  resided  in  Bridgeport.  Notwithstanding 
the  fact  that  he  suffered  so  severe  an  injury  in  1861  as  to  render  him  totally 
unable  to  walk,  and  has  since  suffered  greatly  from  paralysis,  Mr.  Sanford  by  heroic- 
efforts,  has  practiced  his  profession  here  successfully  since  1864,  and  built  up  a  prac- 
tice not  surpassed  by  any  other  in  the  county.  In  1863  he  published  a  letter  in  the 
New  York  Times  which  aroused  such  leading  philanthropists  as  Henry  Bergh,  H.  B. 
Claflin,  and  others,  and  was  the  direct  cause  of  the  organization  in  New  York  of  a 
Society  for  the  Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Animals,  and  of  similar  societies  all  over 
the  country.  This  is  a  work  in  which  Mr.  Sanford  has  been  deeply  interested,  and 
through  which  he  has  accomplished  untold  good.     He  was  founder  of  the  New  Mil- 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


57 


E 


VIEW    AT    BLACK    ROCK. 


ford  Society,  which  has  become  the  model  of  more  than  three  hundred  other  similar 


Hon.  Philo  Clark  Calhoun  was  horn  December  4,  1810,  in  Danbury,  Connect- 
icut, of  an  old  and  honored  family,  being  related  to  the  Hon.  John  C.  Calhoun  of 
South  Carolina.  He  started  in  business  at  Bridgeport  about  1826,  entering  the 
saddle  and  harness  business  with  Lyon,  Wright  &  Co.,  and  soon  afterward  was  sent 
by  the  firm  to  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  where  he  established  a  store,  and  returning 
to  Bridgeport  about  1834,  soon  established  himself  as  one  of  our  leading  business 
men,  which  position  he  maintained  during  the  wThole  time  of  his  residence  here.  He 
was  president  of  the  Connecticut  Bank  for  seventeen  years,  a  member  of  the  Bridge- 
port Common  Council,  and  Board  of  Aldermen;  Avas  Mayor  from  1855  to  1857;  a 
member  of  both  houses  of  the  Legislature,  and  was  most  influential  in  all  public 
measures  relating  to  the  city  from  1850  to  1864.  In  that  year  he  removed  to  New 
York  city  where  as  president  of  the  Fourth  National  Bank  he  soon  established  it  a& 
one  of  the  largest  deposit  banks  in  the  country.  He  held  many  other  important 
offices  and  was  one  of  the  most  noted  and  successful  business  men  of  the  metropolis. 
He  died  March  14,  1882,  having  accomplished  a  great  work  and  been  an  important 
factor  in  the  progress  of  Bridgeport. 

Peter  Foland  was  born  in  Scoharie  county,  New  York,  and  for  many  years  was 
engaged  in  the  grocery  and  later  in  the  hotel  business  at  Albany,  New  York.  After 
a  long  experience  as  hotel  man  he  came  to  Bridgeport  in  1880,  and  bought  the  At- 
lantic House,  which  he  has  since  conducted  in  a  liberal  and  enterprising  manner,, 
fully  in  keeping  with  the  spirit  of  the  city. 


58  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


Hon.  Civilion  Fones  was  born  in  Toronto,  Canada,  October  1,  1836,  so  that  he 
is  of  the  same  age  as  the  city  of  Bridgeport,  of  which  he  is  the  present  Mayor.  He 
is  a  descendant  of  two  Huguenot  families,  and  spent  his  early  years  in  Canada  and 
New  York  State,  coming  to  Bridgeport  first  in  1858.  He  began  life  in  the  occupa- 
tion of  his  father,  as  architect  and  builder,  but  after  coming  to  Bridgeport  entered 
the  dental  profession,  studying  first  with  Dr.  D.  H.  Porter,  of  this  city,  later  at 
Maryland  Medical  College  and  Baltimore  Medical  College.  He  has  practiced  suc- 
cessfully in  this  city  for  more  than  twenty-five  years,  and  has  gained  the  esteem  of 
his  colleagues  and  fellow-citizens.  He  was  elected  president  of  the  Connecticut  Val- 
ley Dental  Association.  He  was  elected  to  the  Common  Council  of  the  city  in  1884, 
served  as  Alderman  in  1885,  and  Mayor  in  1S86-7,  which  offices  he  has  administered 
with  distinguished  ability  and  success. 

David  Benjamin  Lockwood,  son  of  David  and  Abigail  (Gray)  Lockwood,  was 
T)orn  January  7,  1827,  in  Weston,  and  is  a  direct  descendant  of  Robert  Lockwood, 
who  settled  in  Fairfield  in  1649.  After  a  preparatory  course  at  Staples'  Academy, 
Easton,  Connecticut,  he  entered  Wesleyan  University  in  1844  and  graduated  in  1849. 
He  studied  law  under  Hon.  Thomas  B.  Osborne  of  Fairfield  and  Hon.  Sidney  B. 
Beardsley  of  Bridgeport,  where  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1851,  and  continued 
here  until  1856,  when  he  removed  to  New  York  city.  He  served  with  distinction  as 
a  sergeant  in  the  Second  Connecticut  Light  Battery  throughout  the  war,  and  after 
its  close  for  a  number  of  years  performed  editorial  work  upon  the  Bridgeport  Stand- 
ard and  Waterbury  American.  Since  1867  he  has  practiced  his  profession  here  with 
his  former  ability  and  success.  He  was  Judge  of  the  City  Court  of  Bridgeport 
from  1869  to  1871,  Representative  to  the  Legislature  in  1875  and  1883,  and  City 
Attorney  of  Bridgeport  in  1SS0  and  1885.  He  took  a  leading  part  in  the  establish- 
ment of  the  Bridgeport  Public  Library  and  Reading  Room,  the  Mechanics'  and 
Farmers'  Savings  Bank  and  the  Fairfield  County  Law  Library  Association,  beside 
exercising  a  wide  influence  which  has  been  beneficially  felt  in  every  important  meas- 
ure for  the  public  welfare,  and  has  placed  him  in  the  leading  ranks  at  the  Fairfield 
County  Bar. 

Frederick  J.  Lockwood  is  a  son  of  Mr.  Frederick  Lockwood,  one  of  the 
pioneers  and  important  promoters  of  Bridgeport's  business  prosperity.  Mr.  F.  J. 
Lockwood  has  also  achieved  marked  success  in  commercial  life  and  has  been  promi- 
nently connected  for  several  years  with  the  Bridgeport  Savings  Bank. 

David  M.  Read  was  born  in  Hoosac  Falls,  New  York,  and  was  a  descendant  by 
a  regular  line  of  five  generations  from  Colonel  Thomas  Read,  of  Hertfordshire, 
England,  who  settled  in  Salem,  Massachusetts,  in  1630.  He  early  removed  with 
his  parents  to  North  Adams,  Massachusetts,  where  he  received  his  education,  and 
after  considerable  business  experience,  came  to  Bridgeport  and  entered  the  employ 
of  E.  Birdsey,  in  1857.  In  the  same  year  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Mr.  W.  B. 
Hail  which  lasted  until  1877,  since  which  time  he  has  carried  on  his  dry  goods 
business  as  the  senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  D.  M.  Read  &  Co.,  and  engaged  exten- 
sively in  carpet  manufacturing.  Mr.  Read  has  been  president  of  the  Bridgeport 
Board  of  Trade  since  its  organization,  a  member  of  the  Common  Council,  Board  of 
Education,  and  State  Legislature.  He  is  vice-president  of  the  City  Savings  Bank,  a 
director  in  the  Bridgeport  National  Bank,  Mountain  Grove  Cemetery  Association, 
and  Fairfield  County  Agricultural  Association,  and  has  held  the  position  of  brigade- 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  59 

commissary   of  the   Connecticut   National   Guard  with  the  rank  of  Major,  besides 
other  important  offices. 

Isaac  Sherman,  Esq.,  was  born  in  Stratfield,  September  25,  1788,  the  son  of 
David  and  Rebecca  (French)  Sherman,  and  descended  from  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers  of  the  colony.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  tried  four  years  of  seafaring  life 
and  when  twenty  started  in  business  for  himself  in  the  firm  of  Beach  &  Sherman. 
He  soon  became  one  of  the  leading  merchants  of  the  borough  and  accumulated  a 
large  property.  He  was  one  of  the  influential  citizens  of  Bridgeport  in  its  early 
days,  having  been  town  clerk  from  1831  to  1847,  and  town  treasurer  for  twenty-two 
years,  beside  holding  the  office  of  Judge  of  Probate,  recorder  of  the  city,  and 
several  others  for  a  number  of  years.  In  his  later  years  he  wrote  a  historical  work 
entitled  "  Esquire  Sherman's  Recollections,"  which  is  undoubtedly  the  most  valuable 
document  remaining  to  testify  to  the  events  in  the  early  history  of  the  city.  No 
one  better  than  old  "  Esquire  Sherman  "  deserved  the  honorable  title  of  "  Father  of 
the  City." 

James  Staples  was  bors  in  Swanville,  Maine,  January  19,  1824,  and  until  he 
was  seventeen  years  old  spent  most  of  his  time  upon  his  father's  farm  at  that  place. 
He  then  began  teaching  school,  which  continued  to  be  his  profession  until  1854  when 
he  made  his  home  at  Bridgeport  and  entered  business,  first  as  a  lumber  merchant  and 
afterwards  as  a  real  estate  and  insurance  broker.  He  has  established  himself  as  a 
leading  business  man  and  citizen,  has  taken  an  active  and  influential  part  in  the 
doings  of  the  Board  of  Trade  and  Board  of  Education,  and  in  many  ways  has  done 
much  for  the  advancement  of  the  city. 

Hon.  Daniel  H.  Sterling  was  born  in  Bridgeport,  July  10,  1819,  and  was  a 
member  of  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  influential  families  in  this  section  of  the  State, 
being  a  direct  descendant  from  Jacob  Sterling,  who  first  settled  in  Stratford  about 
1708.  He  entered  Yale  in  the  Class  of  1839,  but  later  went  to  Union  College,  where 
he  graduated  with  honors  in  1S40.  He  then  engaged  in  business  in  Bridgeport  and 
in  1841  organized  the  firm  of  D.  H.  Sterling  &  Co.  He  continued  during  the  next 
thirty-five  years  to  be  one  of  the  most  powerful  business  men  in  the  city,  and  took 
an  influential  part  in  building  up  all  her  interests.  He  was  the  war  mayor  of 
Bridgeport,  being  elected  in  1860,  and  reelected  in  1861  and  1862,  and  performed 
distinguished  services  in  that  important  and  critical  position.  He  was  Vice-Presi- 
dent of  the  Board  of  Education,  chairman  of  finance  committee,  and  was  a  member  of 
the  Common  Council  and  Board  of  Aldermen  for  many  years,  exercising  a  beneficial 
influence  in  all  the  public  affairs  of  the  city  which  has  hardly  been  equalled  by  that 
of  any  other  man  in  her  history. 

Colonel  Wm,  H.  Stevenson,  son  of  Win.  G.  and  Georgie  T.  Stevenson,  was  born 
in  Bridgeport  in  1847.  Col.  Stevenson  prepared  for  college,  but  resolving  to  enter 
business,  took  a  course  at  Eastman's  National  Business  College,  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y., 
where  he  graduated  with  the  degree  of  Master  of  Accounts.  He  entered  the  Housa- 
tonic  Railroad  office  at  Bridgeport  in  1864,  and  actively  and  permanently  engaged  in 
railroad  life,  being  appointed  Special  Agent  of  the  New  York  &  New  Haven  Railroad 
in  1872,  Paymaster  of  the  New  York  Central  and  Hudson  River  Railroad  in  1878, 
Superintendent  of  the  Shore  Line  Division  in  the  same  year,  and  Superintendent  of 
the  New  York  Division  of  the  New  York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford  in  1882,  which  is 
one  of  the  most  important  railroad  positions  in  the  country,  and  was  administered 


60  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

with  great  success.  He  is  now  Vice-Pres.  of  the  Housatonic  R.  R.  Col.  Stevenson 
was  a  member  of  the  Common  Council  in  1875,  an  alderman  in  1876,  1877  and  1878,. 
was  admitted  to  the  Fairfield  County  Bar,  after  passing  examinations,  in  the  same 
year,  was  President  of  the  Young  Men's  Democratic  Cleveland  and  Hendrick's  Club- 
in  1884,  was  appointed  Aid-de-Camp  with  rank  of  Colonel  on  the  Staff  of  Governor 
Waller  in  the  same  year,  was  President  of  the  Eclectic  Club  of  Bridgeport,  Grand 
Master  and  General  Aid  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  a  prominent  Mason,  President  of  the 
Association  of  American  Railroad  Superintendents,  a  Director  of  the  Railway  Tele- 
graph and  numerous  other  companies  and  railways,  beside  having  held  many  other 
prominent  and  influential  positions,  which  give  abundant  evidence  to  the  progressive- 
ness  and  energy  of  his  active  life. 

Charles  S.  Strattoist,  otherwise  and  generally  known  as  General  Tom  Thumb, 
was  born  in  Bridgeport  in  1837,  and  in  1842  was  secured  by  Mr.  Baruum  as  one  of 
the  most  striking  curiosities  of  his  great  show,  he  being  at  that  time  only  two  feet  in 
height,  yet  perfectly  formed  and  handsome.  His  father  was  Sherwood  E.  Stratton, 
of  Bridgeport,  and  he  came  of  an  old  family  who  had  lived  in  this  region  for  over  a 
hundred  years.  General  Tom  Thumb  had  great  success  in  New  York,  and  in  1844 
sailed  for  Europe  with  Mr.  Barnum,  where  he  received  distinguished  attention  and 
honors  from  Queen  Victoria,  King  Louis  Ph.llippe,  of  France,  and  other  prominent 
people,  while  he  was  greeted  with  enthusiasm  in  London,  Paris  and  other  great  cities 
on  the  Continent.  He  returned  to  America  after  three  years'  absence,  in  1847,  hav- 
ing, before  he  was  ten  years  old,  accumulated  a  large  fortune  for  his  parents  and 
himself,  thirty  thousand  dollars  of  which  were  expended  in  the  erection  of  a  beautiful 
residence  in  this  city.  In  1862  Mr.  Barnum  added  to  his  company  the  beautiful  and 
highly  educated  young  lady  dwarf,  Miss  Lavinia  Warren,  and  a  genuine  love  and 
courtship  sprang  up  between  hei'self  and  Gen.  Tom  Thumb,  resulting  in  the  marriage 
of  the  two  at  Grace  Church,  New  York  City,  February  10,  1863,  which  attracted  the 
attention  of  the  civilized  world.  From  that  time  on  they  lived  and  traveled  together 
to  all  appearances  worthy  to  be  numbered  among  the  happiest  married  couples  in 
America.  Gen.  Tom  Thumb  and  his  beautiful  Avife  visited  Europe  several  times,  and 
were  probably  introduced  to  a  large  majority  of  the  present  generation  living  in  this, 
country.  The  General  died  at  his  beautiful  home  in  Middleboro,  Mass.,  July  15,  1883, 
and  was  buried  in  Bridgeport. 

This  record  of  the  public  men  of  Bridgeport  is  one  of  which  she  may  justly  be 
proud,  and  their  names  and  services  will  ever  be  cherished  in  the  grateful  memories 
of  her  citizens. 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  61 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
A    MODERN    CITY. 

In  no  other  respect,  perhaps,  is  the  admirable  foresight  and  care  of  the  leading- 
citizens  of  Bridgeport  more  remarkably  displayed  for  the  present  and  all  time,  than 
in  the  many  forms  and  ways  in  which  the  city  has  been  and  is  being  beautified  as  it 
has  grown  into  large  proportions.  As  a  result  we  now  have  beautiful  avenues  and 
magnificent  parks,  which  justly  have  won  for  Bridgeport  the  sobriquet  of  "Park 
•City,"  it  being  estimated  by  competent  authorities  that  the  city  has  one  acre  of  park 
territory  to  every  170  of  its  population,  "probably  a  larger  park  area  to  the  number 
of  inhabitants  than  any  other  city  in  the  United  States."  Among  other  beautiful 
objects  of  interest  it  is  right  that  we  should  consider  the  most  important,  the  parks, 
first.  These  comprise  the  following:  Seaside  Park,  one  hundred  acres  in  extent; 
Beard sley  Park,  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  acres;  Washington  Park  and  the  Pa- 
rade Ground,  about  fifteen  acres;  in  all  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  park 
territory. 

Seaside  Park  is  the  result  of  a  movement  started  in  1863,  in  which  Hon.  P.  T. 
Barnum  took  the  lead.  His  efforts  were  admirably  seconded  by  Messrs.  Frederick 
Hurd  and  James  C.  Loomis.  Originally  it  was  thirty-five  acres  in  extent,  of  which 
Mr.  Barnum  gave  seven.  It  has  received  many  additions  since,  Mr.  Barnum  himself 
giving  thirty  acres  more,  and  has  been  continually  improved  and  adorned,  until  now 
it  has  few  equals  in  New  England.  It  is  situated  on  the  shore  of  Long  Island  Sound, 
about  a  mile  out  Main  street  from  the  post-office,  and  extends  as  far  west  as  Black 
Rock  Harbor.  A  striking  picture  of  its  situation  and  outlook  is  given  by  the  fol- 
lowing sketch,  which  appeared  in  the  Standard,  October  1,  1S63,  when  the  move- 
ment for  the  park  was  first  started: 

"It  is  a  beautiful  piece  of  land,  free  from  rocks,  skirted  for  a  considerable  part 
of  the  way  on  the  north  by  fine  forest  trees,  and  bounded  on  the  south  for  its  entire 
length  by  the  sparkling  waters  of  the  Sound.  From  this  water-front,  which  is  cool 
and  pleasant  in  the  hottest  days,  a  picturesque  and  enchanting  water  view  is  ob- 
tained. On  the  left,  as  we  stand  facing  the  harbor,  is  the  city,  with  its  tall  spires 
and  chimneys  pointing  skyward  from  among  the  trees;  the  harbor,  dotted  with  its 
sailing  craft;  and  the  wooded  point  opposite  with  its  cottages;  to  the  west  the 
green,  sloping  shores  of  Black  Rock  stretch  far  around  to  the  lighthouse.  Far  away 
to  tht  south,  across  the  Sound,  rise  the  hills  of  Long  Island,  in  picturesque  beauty, 
while  upon  the  intervening,  placid  waters,  float  a  constant  panorama  of  white-sailed 
vessels,  passing  up  and  down  these  blue  waters  of  the  Sound." 

Two  beautiful  monuments  have  been  erected  in  the  park  and  add  to  its  attrac- 
tions. The  first  is  in  honor  of  the  soldiers  of  the  late  war,  and  is  a  magnificent  work 
of  art,  having  cost  about  $30,000.     Upon  it  are  inscribed  the  names  of  the  men  who 


62 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT 


VIEW    IN    SEASIDE    PARK. 


died  in  the  war.  The  movement  to  obtain  it  was  started  and  conducted  by  the 
Ladies'  Soldiers'  Monument  Association,  being  aided  by  a  special  appropriation  of 
the  town  of  Bridgeport.  A  fine  statue  of  Elias  Howe,  Jr.,  also  stands  in  the 
park,  facing  the  Sound,  and  reminding  visitors  of  what  perseverance  and  skill 
can  do  in  the  achievement  of  success  in  life.  There  is  also  a  trotting  course 
in  the  pai'k,  which  is  a  model  of  its  kind,  having  an  amphitheater  from  eight 
to  fifteen  feet  below  the  road-bed  of  the  boulevard,  and  the  race-course  passing 
around  a  beautiful  lake  which  is  on  a  level  with  the  surface  of  the  Sound.  The  fine 
residence  of  Mr.  Barnum,  "  Waldemere  "  (woods-by-the-sea),  on  the  northern  boun- 
dary of  the  park,  together  with  several  other  residences,  have  a  beautiful  effect 
upon  the  scenery  to  one  riding  through  the  park. 

The  princely  gift  of  Beardsley  Park,  made  to  the  city  by  Mr.  James  W.  Beards- 
ley  in  1878,  has  already  been  mentioned.  This  park  is  located  in  East  Bridgeport, 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  city  from  Seaside  Park.  In  contrast  to  the  sea-view  of 
the  latter,  it  presents  beautiful  woodland,  hill  and  lakeside  scenery,  and  thus  the 
two  together  make  Bridgeport  unusually  rich  in  this  most  important  department  of 
city  life,  the  recreative.  The  other  parks  and  greens  are  easily  accessible  and  well 
worthy  of  a  visit. 

There  are  seven  cemeteries  in  Bridgeport.  The  Mountain  Grove  Cemetery  is 
situated  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  city,  and  contains  about  eighty  acres, 
admirably  graded,  adorned  and  maintained.  It  is  bounded  on  the  west  by  the  pic- 
turesque stream  known  as  Ash  Creek,  and  at  the  entrance  are  a  very  beautiful  stone 
tower  and   gateway.     Pembroke   Cemetery  is  situated  near  "  Old   Mill  Green,"  in^ 


BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


63. 


THE    BAND    STAND    IN    SEASIDE    PARK. 


East  Bridgeport,  bordering  on  Stillman's  Pond,  and  is  about  sixteen  acres  in  extent. 
It  is  next  to  the  oldest  in  the  city,  having  been  originally  chartered  in  1811.  The 
Old  Stratfield  Burial  Ground  dates  back  to  the  earliest  days  of  the  colony  and  con- 
tains the  earthly  remains  of  many  of  the  first  settlers.  It  is  therefore  invested  with 
peculiar  reverence  and  interest,  and  has  been  preserved  with  scrupulous  care.  The 
tombstones  present  a  strange  and  often  very  pathetic  blending  of  the  sincere  reli- 
gious devotion  and  rude  poetic  art  of  the  Puritanic  days.  This  cemetery  is  located 
in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  city  and  will  well  repay  a  visit,  as  it  is  rich  in  his- 
toric associations.  Park  Cemetery  is  one  of  the  most  recent  of  all  the  cemeteries, 
having  been  first  opened  in  1878.  It  is  situated  in  the  northeastern  section  of 
Bridgeport.  There  are  beside  three  Catholic  cemeteries  in  the  city,  which  are  all 
finely  situated  and  kept.  « 

The  Bridgeport  Hospital,  situated  on  Mill  Hill  avenue,  is  one  of  the  largest  and 
most  admirably  arranged  institutions  of  its  kind  in  the  State.  The  first  bequest  was 
made  by  Mrs.  Susan  Hubbell,  consisting  of  $13,500  and  an  acre  of  ground.  Through 
the  devoted  efforts  of  Dr.  George  F.  Lewis  and  others  the  fund  was  increased  to 
150,000,  and  the  legislature  granted  $50,000  more  and  a  charter  in  1878.  The 
building  was  completed  in  1884,  at  an  expense  of  over  $100,000,  and  has  since  been 
maintained  in  a  manner  worthy  both  of  the  noble  charity  itself  and  the  generous 
Christian  humanity  of  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport. 

Reference  has  already  been  made  to  the  fine  church  edifices  and  school  buildings 
of  the  city  as  well  as  the  beautiful  structures  containing  the  public  library,  Y.  M.  C. 


<34  BRIDGEPORT,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

A.,  and  the  various  large  societies  of  Bridgeport.  Among  other  large  and  magnifi- 
cent business  houses  may  be  mentioned  those  of  the  Connecticut  and  Bridgeport 
National  Banks,  beside  many  others  which  are  hardly  surpassed  by  any  in  New 
England,  or  the  country.  The  Bridgeport  Post-office  and  City  Hall  building  are 
situated  on  State  street,  and  it  is  sufficient  to  say  of  all  the  departments  of  the  city 
government  that  they  are  executed  with  the  same  energy  and  attentive  care  which 
have  marked  the  whole  history  of  Bridgeport.  Hawes'  Opera  House,  situated  on 
Fairfield  avenue,  affords  entertainment  of  the  highest  order  to  the  citizens,  and  the 
best  companies  of  the  country  are  accustomed  to  give  productions  there. 

The  beautiful  shaded  avenues  of  Bridgejjort  make  pleasant  drives  in  all  direc- 
tions, and  are  the  pride  of  the  city.  In  this  short  sketch,  of  what  to  us  seems  a 
model  modern  city,  we  have  been  able  to  give  only  a  few  outline  pictures,  and  trust 
that  our  readers  will  fill  in  the  details  by  a  practical  experience  of  the  unexcelled 
beauties  of  the  justly  renowned  "Park  City." 


AD1NG  BUSINESS  MEN  Of 


BRIDG 


ID 


i 


WN  the  following  pages  will  be  found  a  brief  review  of  the  principal  Business 
|§|  firms  of  Bridgeport.  While  the  majority  are  old  established  houses  and 
leaders  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  we  have  mentioned  others  who,  though  recently 
established,  are,  through  their  enterprise  and  ability,  deserving  of  notice.  We 
commend  these  firms,  as  a  whole,  to  the  favorable  attention  of  all. 


W.  B.  Hall  &  Company,  Dry  Goods,  Fancy 
Goods,  Cloaks,  Suits,  etc.,  Coiner  Main  and 
Cannon  Streets. — Among  the  large  dry  goods 
houses  in  New  England,  none  stand  higher  in 
the  estimation  of  the  community  than  that  of 
W.  B.  Hall  &  Co.,  whose  mammoth  store — 
erected  for  them — is  located  at  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Cannon  streets. 

This  business  was  established  in  1878  by  W. 
B.  Hall  &  Co.,  and  has  since  been  conducted 
with  great  enterprise  and  energy  by  these  gen- 
tlemen. Everything  usually  found  in  a  first- 
class  dry  goods  store  may  be  obtained  here.  A 
large  and  complete  stock  of  dress  goods  includ- 
ing silks,  velvets,  satiDS  and  woolen  goods,  down 
to  calicoes,  etc.  A  fine  stock  of  ladies',  misses' 
and  children's  garments  carried  to  suit  all  tastes. 
Their  hosiery  and  underwear  departments  are 
replete  with  everything  desirable  in  that  line, 
while  their  laces  and  dress  trimmings  could  not 
fail  to  please  even  the  most  fastidious. 

On  the  second  floor  is  situated  the  custom 
cloak  and  dressmaking  departments,  where  a 
number  of  first-class  modistes  are  employed.  The 
custom  cloak  rooms  are  under  the  supervision  of 
Mrs.  Hartshorne,  who  has  had  a  long  experience. 
The  custom  garments  enjoy  a  reputation  of  fit 
and  workmanship  which  is  unexcelled.  Adjoin- 
ing this  department  will  be  found  a  full  assort- 
ment of  the  celebrated  Buttericks'  patterns.  The 
basement  contains  one  of  the  largest  wholesale 
stocks  in  the  State.  Here  a  stock  is  carried 
large  enough  to  fill  three  ordinary  dry  goods 
establishments.  This  is  necessitated  by  the 
demand  made  on  the  stock  each  day  by  the  large 
trade. 


Buying  as  they  do,  in  large  quantities,  it  is 
natural  that  Messrs.  Hall  &  Co.  can  undersell  so 
many  competitors.  All  goods  are  marked  at 
most  reasonable  prices  and  every  attention  is 
paid  to  customers. 

The  premises  occupy  two  floors  and  basement 
of  a  large  building,  situated  in  the  most  desirable 
part  of  Main  street,  and  cover  an  area  of  130x40 
feet.  Eighty-five  experienced  hands  find  em- 
ployment in  the  several  departments,  and  a  very 
extensive  business  is  transacted,  both  wholesale 
and  retail. 

The  members  of  the  firm  are  Messrs.  W.  B. 
Hall,  a  native  of  Springfield,  Massachusetts,  and 
H.  W.  Pettis,  a  native  of  Gt.  Barrington,  Massa- 
chusetts, both  very  enterprising  and  energetic 
gentlemen,  widely  and  favorably  known  through- 
out the  State — people  coming  from  far  and  near 
to  avail  themselves  of  the  bargains  offered  by 
them . 

This  is  the  leading  establishment  in  the  dry 
goods  line  in  the  State,  and  their  business,  though 
established  but  nine  years  ago,  has  already 
reached  colossal  proportions. 

As  an  instance  of  the  distance  the  trade  of  the 
house  extends,  Messrs.  Hall  &  Co.  have  frequent 
orders  from  New  York  State.  Their  custom  in 
the  towns  between  New  York  city  and  Bridge- 
port is  very  large.  Their  trade  in  Norwalk  and 
South  Norwalk  alone  reached  $30,000  last  year, 
ladies  preferring  to  do  their  shopping  and  inspect 
the  beautiful  park  and  other  attractions,  to  a 
fatiguing  journey  to  New  York.  As  rents  are 
much  lower  in  this  city,  Messrs.  Hall  &  Co.  can 
naturally  afford  to  sell  lower  than  New  York 
retailers. 


66 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


David  B.  Crockett  Co.,  Manufacturers  of 
Preservative  or  Architectural  Finish,  and  Spar 
Composition,  Bridgeport,  Conn. — In  these  days, 
when  everybody  who  can  afford  it  owns  a  yacht, 
no  apology  is  needed  for  bringing  to  the  notice 
of  the  public  any  really  meritorious  article  spec- 
ially designed  for  the  use  of  yachtsmen.  The  pur- 
pose of  this  article  is  to  bring  before  the  public 
that  production  that  has  gone  into  more  general 
use  and  been  received   everywhere  with  more 


favor  than  any  other  article  of  its  kind.     We 
refer  to  Crockett's  Spar  Composition. 

It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  no  yachtsman 
who  values  the  appearance  or  preservation  of 
his  spars  can  afford  to  be  without  this,  for  this  is 
the  universal  verdict  after  severe  and  repeated 
trials,  under  all  conditions. 

This  substance  was  patented  February  14, 
1871,  so  that  abundant  opportunity  has  been  had 
to  test  it  in  every  way.  Crockett's  specialties 
are  Spar  Composition,  No.  2  Preservative,  No.  1 
Preservative,  Painter's  Composition,  Spar  body 
finish,  Spar  gear  finish,  Spar  one  coat  finish,  Spar 
quick  rubbing,  Car  and  Carriage  primer,  Railway 
outside  car  finish,  Railway  inside  car  finish,  Rail- 
way polishing  car  finish,  Railway  inside  flowing 
finish,  Railway  locomotive  finish,  Railway'  quick 
rubbing,  Waterproof  floor  finish,  Elastic  oil 
finish. 

David  B.  Crockett's  Preservatives  are  composed 
of  the  hardest  and  most  expensive  gums,  and 
prepared  in  a  manner  analogous  to  that  employed 
in  the  manufacture  of  the  costly  English  var- 
nishes, but  with  the  prime  object  of  "  preserva- 
tion "  in  view. 

Spar  composition  differs  from  "  preservative  " 
mainly  in  its  special  adaptation  for  resistance  to  the 
weather.  As  its  name  indicates,  it  was  primarily  in- 
tended for  the  spars  and  all  exposed  parts  of 
vessels;  but  it  is  obvious  that  such  a  compound  is 
equally  valuable  for  all  outside  work,  either  wood 
or  metal.  Hence,  as  a  protection  for  front  doors, 
vestibules,  porches,  railway  cars,  carriages, 
wagons,  or  any  exposed  parts  of  edifices,  whether 
of  grained  work  or  natural  wood,  it  is  superior 
to  anything  ever  invented.  It  also  adds  a 
gloss  and  finish  unsurpassed  by  the  finest  var- 
nish. 

No  compound  has  ever  been  devised  which 
more  truly  fulfils  the  promise  of  its  name  than 
"Crockett's  Preservative."  Thoroughly  per- 
meated with  it,  wood  becomes  absolutely  inde- 
structible by  any  ordinary  processes,  and  may 
defy  all  the  elements  but  fire.  This,  however, 
is  but  one  of  its  merits.  The  unpractised  eye 
will  hardly  detect  in  the  plain,  unpolished  piece 
of  oak  or  maple,  the  latent  beauties  that  linger 
beneath  the  surface.  Treated  with  Preservative, 
they  are   instantly  developed,  and   shine  forth 


with  a  lustre  which  art  can  but  faintly  imitate. 
Nor  is  this  a  mere  transient  or  ephemeral  effect, 
but  as  lasting  as  the  wood  itself.  Permanence 
is  one  of  its  cardinal  virtues.  Preservative,  ap- 
plied in  accordance  with  directions  on  the  can, 
is  unchangeable;  and  if  stained,  smoked,  orsoiled, 
can  be  immediately  restored  by  the  simple  use  of 
sponge  and  water — a  treatment  which  would 
ruin  other  "wood  finishes"  as  well  as  most 
costly  varnishes. 

To  these  qualities  it  owes  its  great  superiority 
as  a  "beautifier,"  for  in  its  aesthetic  effects  on 
natural  wood,  it  stands  without  a  rival;  and  for 
churches,  halls,  and  all  cabinet  finished  edifices 
it  is  simply  unapproachable.  This  fact  is  rec- 
ognized and  appreciated  by  many  prominent 
architects  throughout  the  country,  who,  having 
once  tested  it,  thenceforth  invariably  insert  it  in 
their  specifications.  It  adds  lustre  to  the  very 
floors  and  walls,  and  with  surprising  versatility 
of  adaptation  its  conservative  effects  are  as  pro- 
nounced and  permanent  on  grained  or  painted 
work  as  on  the  natural  wood.  This  enlarges  its 
field  of  usefulness  indefinitely,  and  welcomes  it 
alike  to  the  humble  cottage,  the  imposing  man- 
sion, or  the  grand  cathedral;  while  its  very 
moderate  cost  places  it  within  the  reach  of  the 
slenderest  means.  In  view  of  its  imperishable 
nature,  however,  it  is  hardly  too  much  to  say 
that  its  use  would  be  true  economy  at  any 
price. 

The  popularity  of  these  preservatives  among 
architects,  builders,  boatmen,  etc.,  has  necessi- 
tated the  erection  of  one  of  the  most  complete 
factories  in  the  country.  Every  facility  is  at 
hand  for  conducting  the  business  on  a  large 
scale,  and  care  is  taken  to  keep  the  product  of 
the  factories  up  to  the  highest  standard  of  excel- 
lence. 


Hugh  Stirling,  Manufacturer  of  all  kinds  of 
Mattresses,  Union  Street. — Of  late  years  such  im- 
provement has  been  made  in  the  manufacture  of 
mattresses,  that  they  are  universally  used,  and 
when  manufactured  in  an  experienced  and  careful 
manner  they  will  be  found  both  durable  and 
comfortable. 

One  of  the  lai'gest  establishments  engaged  in 
this  line  of  manufacture  is  that  of  Mr.  Hugh 
Stirling,  formerly  Gledhill  &  Co.,  whose  ware- 
rooms  are  located  on  Union  street.  Here  Mr. 
Stirling  occupies  a  two-story  building  covering 
an  area  of  50x45  feet,  arranged  with  all  the  most 
modern  appliances  used  in  the  business. 

Employment  is  given  to  several  skilled  hands, 
and  altogether  a  large  wholesale  trade  is  tran- 
sacted. 

Mr.  Stirling  is  a  native  of  England  and  is  well 
and  favorably  known  throughout  Bridgeport  as 
a  gentleman  of  experience  in  his  particular  line. 
He  is  intimately  connected  with  the  public  inter- 
ests of  this  city,  being  Common  Councilman  for 
two  years  and  Police  Commissioner  for  four 
years.  He  is  honorable  and  upright  in  all  his 
business  dealings,  and  all  entering  into  business 
relations  with  him  will  find  them  a  pleasure. 
All  his  work  will  be  found  thoroughly  satisfacto- 
ry and  his  terms  moderate.  We  commend  him 
to  the  notice  of  our  readers  as  one  worthy  their 
respect  and  consideration. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


67 


Charles  W.  McCord,  Successor  to  McCord 
&  Stillman,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Dealer  in 
Carpets,  Oil  Cloths,  Mattings,  Rugs,  Window 
Shades,  Upholstery  Goods,  etc.,  No.  375  Main 
Street. — The  great  advance  made  in  popular 
taste  and  culture,  as  shown  by  the  various  ar- 
ticles of  household  adornment  and  utility,  is  one 
of  the  most  significant  signs  of  the  times,  and  in 
no  department  of  house-furnishing  is  the  result 
of  such  progress  and  discrimination  more  mani- 
fest than  in  that  relating  to  floor  covering  of 
various  kinds.  The  gaudy  and* bizarre  patterns 
in  carpets,  for  instance,  once  so  universal  and 
prevalent,  are  now  seldom  seen  unless  we  search 
in  some  auction  room  or  other  repository  of  cast- 
away and  superseded  goods.  An  establishment 
wherein  the  most  fashionable  and  modern  de- 
signs in  carpetings,  oil  cloths,  mattings,  rugs, 
etc.,  are  sure  to  be  found  is  that  of  Mr.  Charles 
W.  McCord,  located  at  No.  375  Main  street. 

This  gentleman  began  business  in  May,  1886, 
under  the  firm  name  of  McCord  &  Stillman,  but 
as  Mr.  Stillman  retired  a  few  months  ago,  he 
now  carries  on  the  establishment  alone. 

Mr.  McCord  was  born  in  this  city,  and  has  had 
a  large  experience  in  his  present  business.  His 
store  is  at  375-377-379  Main  street,  and  is  fully 
stocked  with  the  goods  above-mentioned;  a 
magnificent  assortment  of  draperies,  upholstery 
goods,  window  shades,  etc.,  being  also  on  hand. 

Mr.  McCord  is  the  agent  in  Bridgeport  for  the 
celebrated  Lowell  carpets. 

The  New  York  Decorator  and  Furnisher  says 
of  these:  "A  Lowell  carpet,  on  the  other  hand, 
is,  so  far  as  the  weight,  durability  and  fineness 
of  the  fabric  are  concerned,  the  same  as  in  our 
grandmothers'  days.  Every  decline  in  price  has 
been  overcome  by  improved  processes  and  the  in- 
troduction of  more  rapid  machinery.  It  only 
differs  from  the  carpet  of  half  a  century  ago  in 
the  improvement  which  has  been  made  in  all 
manufacturing  processes,  and  of  which  the 
Lowell  Company  has  been  among  the  first  to 
avail  itself.  In  tact,  had  it  not  been  for  the  en- 
lightened liberality  of  this  concern  it  is  doubtful 
wThether  Mr.  Bigelow  would  ever  have  been  able 
to  perfect  the  powTer  loom,  which  laid  the  found- 
ation of  the  modern  carpet  industry.  Amid  all 
the  vicissitudes  of  trade,  no  matter  how  keen  the 
competition  at  home  or  from  abroad,  without  re- 
gard to  tariffs,  either  on  competing  goods  or  on 
the  raw  material,  the  Lowell  carpet  has  always 
been  the  same  and  has  always  been  quoted  as  the 
standard.  Very  few  outside  the  trade  have  any 
idea  how  bitter  has  been  the  fight  to  maintain  its 
right  to  this  supremacy.  The  ladies  of  '47,  like 
those  of  '87,  were  wont  to  feel  for  the  hollow 
stick,  which  even  then  was  a  distinguishing  mark 
of  Lowell  goods,  and  it  was  not  till  the  company 
took  the  matter  to  the  United  States  Court  that 
it  was  able  to  establish  its  right  even  to  a  trade 
mark.  Year  after  year  it  has  been  employing  a 
corps  of  the  best  trained  designers  it  could  find 
in  any  quarter  of  the  world,  and  year  after  year, 
in  spite  of  the  quasi  protection  of  the  Patent 
Laws,  it  has  seen  its  best  patterns  produced  in 
inferior  goods,  not  only  by  a  thousand  cheap 
looms  of  Philadelphia,  but  by  the  best  manufac- 
turing skill  of  England.  But  it  has  never  faltered 
in  its  straightforward  course. 

Meanwhile  the  methods  of  the  company  have 


been  those  which  belong  to  the  best  school  of 
mercantile  integrity.  No  dealer  ever  makes  a 
claim  for  shortage  in  Lowell  goods,  for  he  is 
aware  that  the  piece  invariably  overruns  the 
the  ticket  mark,  and  that  the  answer  to  his  claim 
will  invariably  be,  '  Send  it  back.'" 

Mr.  McCord  employs  ten  efficient  assistants, 
and  courteous  and  prompt  service  is  guaranteed 
to  every  customer. 

Geo.  K.  Birdsey,  Manufacturer  and  Jobber  in 
Teas,  Coffees,  Spices  and  Grocers' Sundries,  Xos. 
438  and  440  Water  Street.— The  wholesale  tea 
and  coffee  business  of  Mr.  Geo.  K.  Birdsey  was 
established  in  1854  by  H.  Wales,  succeeded  some 
years  after  by  Birdsey  &  Wales  and  fourteen 
years  ago  Mr.  Birdsey  assumed  the  entire  control 
and  has  succeeded  in  developing  the  business 
greatly  by  shrewd  management  and  experience. 

From  ten  to  fifteen  men  are  employed  in  the 
various  departments  of  the  business.  The  store 
which  is  located  at  Nos.  438  and  440  Water 
street  comprises  a  four-story  building  covering 
an  area  of  40x90  feet  and  fitted  with  all  necessary 
improvements  for  the  promotion  of  the  business. 
The  large  orders  which  are  daily  received  are 
filled  with  invariable  promptness  and  dispatch 
and  the  store  presents  a  scene  of  continual  busi- 
ness activity  that  finds  a  counterpart  in  but  few 
of  the  leading  establishments  of  the  city.  The 
most  efficient  personal  supervision  is  exercised  in 
all  the  varied  details  of  the  business.  The  build- 
ing is  large  and  commodious,  abundantly  pro- 
vided with  all  modern  improvements  and  well 
fitted  up  with  all  requisite  machinery.  This 
house  does  a  large  business  in  roasting  coffees 
and  grinding  spices  for  which  it  possesses  all 
adequate  machinery  and  fixtures.  Mr.  Birdsey 
has  also  in  stock  at  all  times  a  particularly  flue 
assortment  of  grocer's  sundries  which  have 
given  uuiform  satisfaction  to  the  trade.  He  also 
carries  a  choice  line  of  tobacco  and  cigars. 

Mr.  Birdsey  is  a  native  of  Connecticut  and  is 
widely  and  favorably  known. 

James  H.  Scribner  &  Co.,  Rooms  10  and  11 
Connecticut  Bank  Building,  Bridgeport,  Real 
Estate  and  Insurance. — The  prominent  real  es- 
tate firm  of  James  H.  Scribner  &  Co.,  located  in 
the  Connecticut  Bank  Building  on  Main  street, 
rooms  10  and  11,  began  business  in  the  city  Jan- 
uary 1st,  1887.  These  gentlemen  make  a  spe- 
cialty of  real  estate  in  which  they  have  already 
built  up  a  suprisingly  large  trade.  The  office 
quarters  are  convenient  of  access  and  the  accom- 
modations are  all  that  is  necessary  for  the  needs 
of  the  business.  The  firm  transact  business  in 
every  kind  of  real  estate,  buying,  selling  and  ex- 
changing houses,  lots  and  land,  they  also  repre- 
sent a  number  of  reliable  insurance  companies, 
among  which  we  would  mention  the  Equitable 
Life  Assurance  Society  and  the  Newark  Fire 
Insurance  Co.,  of  Newark,  N.  J.,  both  old  and 
reliable  companies.  They  also  represent  the  well 
known  firm  of  Cochran  &  Walsh,  general  finan- 
cial agents  of  St.  Paul  and  Duluth,  Minn.  This 
firm  have  every  reason  to  feel  encouraged  at  their 
present  favorable  prospects  for  success.  They 
are  progressive,  public-spirited  gentlemen, worthy 
of  the  liberal  patronage  which  they  have  thus  far 
received. 


68 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


lmi^^fl 


tUSTOfiSTEAM  LAUNDRY 

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Pembroke  Custom  Laundry,  28  and  30  Fair- 
field Avenue,  Bridgeport. — Among  the  many 
and  varied  industries  which  give  employment  to 
many  of  our  people  is  the  laundry  business,  and 
prominent  in  the  business  in  Bridgeport  is  the 
Pembroke  Custom  Steam  Laundry,  conducted 
by  Mr.  O.  E.  Lindsley.  This  establishment  was 
started  at  the  location  now  occupud  in  1870  by  its 
present  proprietor,  at  28  and  30  Fairfield 
avenue.  This  extensive  work  is  devoted  to  the 
laundrying  of  all  kinds  of  underwear.  A  speci- 
alty is  made  of  collars,  cuffs  and  shirts,  also 
ladies  fine  wear  and  family  clothes  are  laundried 
in  the  best  style,  and  at  short  notice  and  reason- 
able rates. 

Mr  O.  E.  Lindsley  gives  personal  attention  to 
the  management  of  this  establishment,  and  every 
department  is  systematically  arranged,  and  the 
utmost  care  is  taken  in  assorting  and  returning 
clothes  that  none  shall  be  lost  or  miscarried. 
Many  families  avail  themselves  of  the  advantages 
of  such  an  establishment  as  they  are  saved  all 
the  trouble  and  inconvenience  of  the  washing 
and  ironing  days  at  home.  In  May,  1870,  Mr. 
Lindsley  started  in  the  business  of  shirt  making 
and  laundering.  In  1874,  he  began  laundering 
collars  and  cuffs  as  a  specialty  for  the  custom 
trade,  his  laundry  being  the  first  ever  established 
in  Bridgeport.  The  Pembroke  shirt  manufac- 
tory and  custom  steam  laundry  owned  by  Mr. 
Lindsley  is  a  building  20x100  feet  and  contains 
five  floors.  He  has  twelve  branch  offices,  and 
employs  between  150  and  200  hands  during  the 
busy  season.  He  is  a  thorough  business  man, 
and  by  strict  attention  to  business  has  earned 
deserved  success. 

J.  S.  Cairoli,  D.  D.  S.,  Graduate  of  Maryland 
College  of  Dental  Surgery,  Office,  398  Main  St., 
Opposite  Cannon. — Just  why  the  delicate  nerves 
that  connect  the  teeth  with  the  brain  are  so 
acutely  sensitive   is  a    question   which   many  a 


hapless  sufferer  has  asked  himself  when  there 
was  sufficient  intermission  between  the  horrible 
twinges  from  his  aching  molars  to  allow  the 
coherency  of  his  reasoning  powers  to  be  restored. 
It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  men  who  have 
gained  national  renown  for  heroic  courage  on 
the  field  of  battle  have  proved  weak  as  women 
and  unmistakably  shown  the  white  feather 
when  seated  in  the  dentist's  chair. 

Still,  the  wonderful  discoveries  made  by  mod- 
ern science  have  included  many  in  the  field  of 
dentistry,  and  by  the  aid  of  nitrous  oxide,  or 
laughing  gas,  and  improved  instruments  and 
appliances,  dental  operations  have  been  robbed 
of  almost  all  their  terrors.  Skilled  practitioners 
only,  however,  should  be  patronized,  and  one  of 
the  most  prominent  of  these  in  this  city  is  J.  S. 
Cairoli,  D.  D.  S.,  a  graduate  of  the  Maryland 
College  of  Dental  Surgery,  whose  office  is  at  No. 
398  Main  street,  opposite  Cannon. 

Dr.  Cairoli  has  practiced  his  profession  here 
for  twenty-two  years  and  enjoys  a  very  large  and 
select  patronage.  His  rooms  are  finely  fitted  up, 
being  supplied  with  all  the  most  improved  appli- 
ances for  the  practice  of  dentistry,  and  all 
work  is  done  promptly,  skillfully  and  at  reason- 
able rates. 


A.  Krouse  &  Brothers,  Engravers,  Die  Sinkers 
and  Stencil  Cutters,  Modelers,  Chasers  and  Mould 
Makers,  Rubber  Stamps,  etc.,  of  every  descrip 
tion,  243  and  245  Water  Street. — A  house  which 
has  gained  an  enviable  reputation  for  the  high 
grade  of  workmanship  displayed  in  its  various 
manufactures  is  that  of  A.  Krouse  &  Brothers, 
doing"  business  at  Nos.  243  and  245  Water 
street. 

This  enterprise  was  established  in  1876  by  Mr. 
A.  Krouse,  who  carried  it  on  alone  up  to  two 
years  ago,  when  the  firm  became  what  it  now  is. 
The  work  done  comprises  engraving,  die  sink- 
ing and  stencil  cutting,  burning  brands  and 
modeling,  chasing  and  mould  making  is  also 
carried  on.  The  manufacture  of  Rubber  Stamps 
and  also  white  metal  castings  is  made  a  specialty 
of,  and  cane  and  umbrella  mountings,  toys, 
novelties  and  Britannia  ware  are  also  made  in 
large  quantities. 

Having  fitted  up  a  first-class  gold,  silver  and 
nickel-plating  establishment,  and  having  better 
facilities  in  turning  out  work,  they  would  inform 
manufacturers  and  the  public  that  it  will  be  their 
policy  to  turn  out  nothing  but  first-class  work, 
and  at  prices  that  will  be  satisfactory.  Having 
had  a  number  of  years  experience,  they  can 
safely  state  to  manufacturers  that  the  work 
will  be  done  properly  and  attentively  in  all  their 
branches.  Brassing,  coppering  and  oxydizing 
are  done  in  the  most  expeditious  and  thorough 
manner. 

The  premises  occupied  are  (10x100  feet  in  di- 
mensions, and  furnished  with  steam-power;  em- 
ployment being  given  to  twenty  hands. 

The  firm  consists  of  Messrs.  Andrew,  George 
and  Louis  Krouse,  natives  of  New  York,  and 
well-known  citi/.<  ns  of  Bridgeport. 

This  establishment  enjoys  the  very  best  facili- 
ties for  turning  out  the  finest  work  at  the  lowest 
rates,  and  the  extent  of  its  trade  shows  how  this 
fact  is  appreciated. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


69 


The  Copeland  Bros.  Co.,  Dealers  in  Dry 
Goods  and  Carpets,  411,  413,  415  and  417  Main 
Street,  and  No.  101  Fairfield  Avenue. — Eligibly 
located  on  the  principal  shopping  thoroughfare 
in  the  city  is  The  Copeland  Bros.  Co.,  one  of 
Bridgeport's  most  attractive  dry  goods  establish- 
ments. 

Its  long,  prosperous  career,  extending  over  a 
period  of  twenty-seven  or  more  years,  and  the 
fine  assortment  of  goods  constantly  in  stock  at 
most  reasonable  prices  have  done  much  toward 
establishing  the  enviable  reputation  it  now 
holds. 

The  original  founders  of  this  business  were 
Messrs.  Palmer,  McCord  &  Johnson,  and  after 
several  slight  changes  it  was  incorporated  as  a 
stock  comp-iny,  under  the  present  title,  in  1886, 
Mr.  G.  Copeland,  of  New  York,  holding  the 
office  of  president,  while  Mr.  J.  C.  Copeland  is 
treasurer,  Mr.  James  Bracken,  secretary.  These 
gentlemen  comprise  the  directors. 

The  premises  occupy  two  floors  of  a  fine 
building,  located  at  Nos.  411,  413,  415  and  417 
Main  street,  60  feet  front,  and  extends  back  185 
feet,  with  aside  entrance  at  101  Fairfield  avenue. 
The  store  is  fitted  up  with  the  most  modern  im- 
provements for  the  prosecution  of  their  large 
trade,  which  is  both  wholesale  and  retail. 

They  give  employment  to  upwards  of  fifty 
experienced  clerks,  and  deal  not  only  in  dry 
goods  of  every  conceivable  kind,  but  also  have  a 
department  devoted  exclusively  to  the  sale  of 
carpets,  etc.  Here  will  be  found  the  very  latest 
•■and  most  exclusive  designs  in  carpets  of  all 
grades  at  most  reasonable  prices. 

Their  dry  goods  department,  which  is  located 
on  the  first  floor,  is  stocked  continually  with  one 
of  the  finest  assortments  of  goods  in  the  city. 
Dress  goods  of  every  description,  from  calicos  to 
velvets,  hosiery,  underwear,  millinery,  laces, 
trimmings,  etc.,  in  great  abundance,  and  as  low 
as  they  can  be  bought  for  elsewhere. 

Knowing  how  widely  the  reputation  of  this 
house  has  spread,  we  can  but  feel  that  any  fur- 
ther remarks  at  our  hands  would  be  super- 
fluous. 

Chas.  Cartwright,  Boots,  Shoes  and  Rubbers, 
387  Main  Street  (2  Doors  below  Cannon.)— There 
are  niany  establishments  in  this  city  devoted  to 
the  sale  of  boots  and  shoes,  but  the  oldest  and  one 
of  the  most  absolutely  reliable,  is  that  conducted 
by  Mr.  Charles  Cartwright,  at  No.  387  Main 
street,  two  doors  below  Cannon.  This  gentle- 
man started  in  business  twenty-six  years  ago, 
and  has  built  up  a  very  large  and  thriving  trade 
by  reason  of  the  intelligent  and  honorable  man- 
ner in  which  he  bas  served  his  customers. 

His  store  is  20x80  feet  in  dimensions,  and  con- 
tains a  very  large  and  finely  selected  stock  of 
boots,  shoes  and  rubbers  of  all  descriptions  and 
prices.  It  is  well  appointed,  and  four  very  cour- 
teous and  painstaking  assistants  are  at  hand  to 
serve  patrons  promptly  and  well. 

Mr.  Cartwright,  owing  to  his  long  experience, 
is  enabled  to  anticipate  and  fully  meet  the  wants 
of  the  public  in  the  various  goods  in  which  he 
deals.  A  very  fine  assortment  of  ladies'  shoes  is 
shown,  comprising  goods  specially  adapted  to 
street  and  party  wear,  and  the  latest  novelties  in 
ithis  department  are  early  at  hand.     For  gentle- 


men, Congress,  Balmorals  and  many  other  styles 
are  in  stock,  and  the  children  are  by  no  means 
forgotten,  for  a  full  line  of  school  and  street 
shoes  is  at  hand  to  meet  their  special  wants. 
All  goods  are  warranted,  and  the  prices  are 
moderate  and  just. 

R.  T.  Whiting,  Dealer  in  Staple  and  Fancy 
Groceries,  345  Main  Street. — In  compiling  the 
various  industries  of  Bridgeport,  the  retail 
grocery  trade  assumes  a  decided  importance. 
Among  those  who  supply  fresh  groceries  is  the 
house  of  R.  T.  Whiting,  located  at  No.  345  Main 
street,  and  well  stocked  with  staple  and  fancy 
groceries,  flour,  provisions,  canned  goods,  etc. 
The  business  was  established  in  1874  by  Prindle 
&  Whiting,  being  succeeded  in  1880  by  the  pres- 
ent management,  and  it  is  but  fair  to  say  this  is 
the  leading  house  in  its  line  in  Bridgeport,  and 
the  facilities  enjoyed  for  obtaining  goods  is  un- 
surpassed by  any  house  in  the  city.  Being  in 
direct  communication  with  farmers  and  pro- 
ducers, he  is  in  receipt  of  a  fresh  assortment  of 
seasonable  fruits  and  vegetables.  Goods  are  sold 
in  large  or  small  quantities  to  suit  purchasers. 
The  store  is  spacious  and  finely  appointed 
throughout,  covering  an  area  of  24x100  feet,  and 
giving  employment  to  eight  capable  assistants, 
who  are  busily  engaged  waiting  on  their  numer- 
ous customers.  Mr.  XVhiting  is  a  native  of  Bridge- 
port, and  one  of  its  most  esteemed  citizens,  he  is 
a  gentleman  of  unfailing  courtesy  and  has  won 
many  friends  among  the  business  men  of  the  city, 
and  established  a  reputation  for  the  highest  in- 
tegrity and  fair  dealing.  He  fully  deserves  the 
extensive  and  lucrative  patronage  he  receives. 

New  England  Steam  Cracker  Bakery,  also 
A.  W.  Wallace's  Variety  Bakery,  173  and  175 
State  Street. — An  enterprise  of  vast  importance 
to  our  city  is  the  establishment  of  the  "New 
England  Steam  Cracker  Bakery"  which  is  a  repre- 
sentative house,  the  largest  in  its  line  in  the 
State. 

The  business  was  established  in  1853  by 
Mr.  A.  AV.  Wallace,  the  present  proprietor,  and 
has  been  more  than  successful  in  its  operations, 
its  products  being  in  great  demand  all  over  the 
country. 

The  store-room  is  30x90  feet  in  dimensions 
which  together  with  a  large  steam  bakery  in  the 
rear  is  fully  equipped  with  all  needed  machinery 
of  most  modern  style  to  conduct  the  business 
which  is  both  wholesale  and  retail.  The  motive 
power  is  steam,  and  employment  is  given  to 
twenty-five  experienced  hands. 

The  premises  are  located  at  Nos.  173  and  175 
State  street  and  here  they  manufacture  every 
thing  that  is  made  from  flour,  from  a  penny  roll 
to  loaves  and  elaborate  wedding  cakes,  crackers 
of  all  descriptions,  etc.  This  company  are  in  a 
condition  to  fill  any  orders,  no  matter  how  large, 
as  the  capacity  of  their  factory  is  many  barrels 
of  flour  per  day  and  their  goods  equal  to  any  and 
superior  to  most  goods  in  New  England. 

Mr.  Wallace  is  a  gentleman  of  ability  and  an 
old  experienced  baker  fully  capable  of  managing 
so  gigantic  an  enterprise,  and  it  is  with  pleasuie 
that  we  refer  our  readers  to  this  house  as  one 
they  will  be  pleased  and  profited  by  dealing  with. 


Til 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


The  Park  City  Clothing  House  opened  its 
doors  to  the  public  May  9th,  1887.  This  house 
is  owned  by  the  well  known  clothing  manufac- 
turers, Messrs.  Whitten,  Burdett  &  Young  of 
Boston,  and  is  under  the  management  of  Mr. 
Andrew  F.  West,  a  practical  clothier  of  many 
years  experience.  Under  his  supervision  the 
store,  Nos.  454  and  456  Main  street,  has  been  fit- 
ted up  in  the  most  tasteful  manner  and  is  pro- 
nounced by  all  to  be  the  finest  store  of  the  kind 
in  the  State.  By  Mr.  West's  gentlemanly  man- 
ner and  his  untiring  efforts  to  attract  and 
please  the  public,  he  has  gained  many  friends, 
and  the  Park  City  Clothing  House  is  fast  com- 
ing to  be  a  household  word.  Here  may  be  found 
a  stock  of  clothing,  hats  and  men's  outfittings 
that  is  first  class  in  every  particular.  In  cloth- 
ing for  men,  boys  and  children,  they  show  goods 
of  only  their  own  production,  the  finest  grades 
of  domestic  and  foreign  fabrics,  gotten  up  with 
every  regard  to  prevailing  fashions  and  fully 
equal  to  the  best  custom  work.  The  children's 
department  is  a  feature,  and  is  filled  with  as 
choice  an  assortment  for  little  ones  as  can  be 
seen  in  any  large  city.  This  house  has  the  ex- 
clusive sale  of  many  of  the  best  makes  of  men's 
outfittings  in  the  way  of  neck-wear,  underwear, 
flannel  and  dress  shirts,  silk  umbrellas  and  canes, 
etc.,  etc.  In  fact  it  is  an  establishment  of  which 
Bridgeport  may  well  be  proud. 

James  Staples  &  Co.,  Bankers  and  Brokers, 
Real  Estate  and  Insurance  Agents,  207  State 
Street. — In  writing  a  descriptive  review  of  the 
various  enterprises  which  contribute  materially 
to  the  general  advancement  of  our  business  inter- 
ests, we  desire  to  call  attention  to  the  well  known 
establishment  of  James  Staples  &  Co.,  No.  207 
State  street. 

Tbey  conduct  at  the  above  place  a  legitimate 
Banking  and  general  Real  Estate  and  Insurance 
business,  local  investment  securities  being  made 
a  specialty,  and  drafts  issued  on  England,  Scot- 
land, Ireland,  Germany.  France  and  all  Euro- 
pean countries  where  a  bank  or  banker  may  be 
found.  In  the  real  estate  and  insurance  depart- 
ment of  the  business  tbey  buy  and  sell  all  kinds 
of  property  on  commission,  and  place  insurance 
in  well  known  and  responsible  companies.  As 
real  estate  men  their  long  and  varied  experience  i 


has  made  them  well  acquainted  with  the  value 
and  location  of  tbe  most  desirable  property  in 
the  city  and  surroundings.  They  understand 
insurance  in  all  its  branches  and  can  give  as 
many  advantages  to  patrons  in  fire  insurance  as 
any  agency  in  the  city.  Their  promptness  in 
adjusting  all  losses  makes  them  quite  popular 
with  policy  holders  generally.  They  represent 
the  following  staunch  and  reliable  companies: 
American,  Continental,  Germania,  Hanoveiv 
Mechanic's  and  Niagara  of  New  York.  Ameri- 
can of  N.  J.,  Middlesex  Mutual  of  Connecticut; 
American  of  Pennsylvania  and  Philadelphia; 
Imperial,  London  &  Lancashire,  Northern  and. 
Royal  of  England,  Northwestern  of  Wisconsin, 
and  the  Llo}rd's  Plate  Glass  of  New  York. 

The  foundation  of  this"  business  was  laid  twen- 
ty-eight years  ago,  being  under  the  present  man- 
agement for  the  past  three  years.  The  location 
of  the  elegant  offices  of  this  enterprise  is  one  of 
the  most  central  and  convenient  that  could  have 
been  chosen. 

The  individual  members  of  the  firm  are 
Messrs.  James  Staples,  P.  L.  Holzer  and  F.  T. 
Staples;  Mr.  James  Staples  is  a  native  of  Maine, 
the  others  of  Connecticut,  and  are  all  well  and 
favorably  known  throughout  this  city  and  vicinity. 

It  is  with  no  small  pleasure  that  we  call  the  at- 
tention of  our  readers  to  enterprises  of  this  char- 
acter knowing  they  will  be  pleased  and  profited 
by  business  relations  with  such. 


E.  T.  Doolittle,  Dealer  in  Hydraulic  Cement 
Sewer  and  Drain  Pipe, Ornamental  ChimneyTops, 
Well  Curbs,  Stench  Traps,  Connections,  etc., 
also  Contractor,  43  South  Avenue,  Corner  Broad 
Street. — Unquestionably  one  of  the  triumphs 
achieved  by  science  in  modern  times  is  proved 
by  the  immense  reduction  of  the  death  rate  in  the 
large  cities  where  men  are  hived  together  in  large 
numbers.  No  one  condition  is  of  itself  more  un- 
favorable to  health  and  long  living  than  is  this 
massing  of  humanity,  and  that  the  evils  arising 
from  this  cause  have  been  so  thoroughly  discov- 
ered and  reduced  to  a  minimum  is  due  the  high- 
er average  of  human  life  to-day.  First  and  fore- 
most in  these  great  cities  comes  the  question  of 
drainage,  for  unless  that  is  skillfully  and  abund- 
antly provided  for,  health  and  comfort  are  un- 
attainable. Many  materials  have  been  proposed 
and  used  for  sewer  and  drain  pipe,  but  the  severe 
test  for  years  has  undoubtedly  pronounced  in 
favor  of  hydraulic  cement  as  it  is  strong,  non- 
absorbent  and  comparatively  cheap.  A  Bridge 
port  house  dealing  very  largely  in  this  and  kin- 
dred goods  is  that  conducted  by  Mr.  E.  T.  Doo 
little,  at  No.  43  South  avenue,  corner  of  Broad 
street.  Established  twenty-two  years  ago  by  Mr. 
S.  E.  Todd,  the  business  has  been  in  the  hands 
of  its  present  owner  for  the  last  ten  years.  A. 
store  20x50  feet  is  occupied;  from  twelve  to 
twenty  hands  are  employed,  and  a  very  large 
business  is  done  in  sewer  and  drain  pipe.  Orna- 
mental chimney  tops,  well  curbs,  traps,  connec- 
tions, etc.  A  specialty  is  made  of  well  pipe. 
Mr.  Doolittle  is  also  prepared  to  contract  for  the 
construction  of  sewers,  laying  drains,  digging 
wells,  cementing  floors  and  general  jobbing.  He- 
is  a  native  of  this  State  and  has  bad  a  long  ex- 
perience in  the  business. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT 


S.  Loewith  &  Co.,  Notary  Public,  Real  Estate, 
Insurance,  European  Steamship  and  General 
•Commission  Agents,  33  Bank  St. — As  the  manage- 
ment of  a  real  estate  or  an  insurance  business  re- 
quires the  person  in  charge  to  be  of  keen  per- 
ception, prompt  in  action,  and  of  good  sound 
judgment  in  regard  to  the  property  in  question, 
we  feel  that  we  can  commend  no  more  capable 
person  in  whose  care  to  entrust  the  management 
•or  insurance  of  property  than  Mr.  S.  Loewith, 
whose  office  is  located  at  33  Bank  street.  He  es 
tablished  his  business  in  this  city  in  1883,  under 
the  firm  name  of  S.  Loewith  &Co.,  and  in  the 
four  years  of  its  existence  Mr.  Loewith,  who  is  sole 
proprietor,  has  succeeded  in  establishing  an  exten- 
sive and  lucrative  business  as  Notary  Public,  Real 
Estate,  Insurance  and  European  steamship  agent, 
also  General  Commission  agent  representing  the 
following  lines:  North  German  Lloyd,  Hamburg- 
American  Packet,  Hamburg  Union,  Red  Star, 
Rotterdam  and  Amsterdam,  Transatlantic  Havre, 
Baltic  Line,  Inman  Line.  Drafts  and  bank  money 
•orders  issued  on  all  parts  of  Europe  at  lowest 
rates. 

From  its  inception  Mr.  Loewith  has  character- 
ized all  his  transactions  with  such  an  upright 
policy,  that  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport  and  sub- 
urban towns  have  every  reason  to  feel  that  they 
can  trust  implicitly  in  his  honesty  and  integrity. 
His  charges  are  light,  and  his  methods  are  ad- 
mirable for  the  management  of  important  and 
responsible  business  entrusted   to  his  judgment. 

Mr.  S.  Loewith  is  a  native  of  Bohemia,  but 
well  and  favorably  known  in  this  country  and 
city.  He  converses  in  seven  languages,  and  his 
services  are  in  frequent  demand  as  interpreter. 

Stegeman  &  Whetstine,  Grocers  and  Wine 
Merchants,  390  Main  Street. — The  importance  of 
an  enterprise  of  this  character  in  a  large  city  like 
Bridgeport  is  too  apparent  to  need  comment. 
We  have  here  a  business  devoted  to  the  grocery 
and  wine  trade,  an  industry  of  great  importance 
to  the  thrift  of  the  city  and  serving  an  important 
Tpurpose  in  the  community. 

The  house  of  Stegeman  &  Whetstine,  Grocers 


and  Wine  Merchants,  was  established  by  them  in 
August,  1880.  They  occupy  a  nicely-arranged 
and  well-stocked  store,  located  at  390  Main 
street,  covering  an  area  of  20x75  feet,  where  they 
are  prepared  to  offer  to  citizens  of  Bridgeport  on 
advantageous  terms  a  superior  quality  of  staple 
and  fancy  groceries,  including  the  best  brands  of 
flour,  teas,  coffees,  spices,  sugar,  etc.,  comprising 
all  goods  carried  by  a  first-class  grocer,  and  in 
connection  with  the  grocery  business,  Messrs. 
Stegeman  &  Whetstine  are  extensive  wine  mer- 
chants and  deal  largely  in  domestic  and  foreign 
productions.  They  are  also  bottlers  of  Rupert's 
extra  beer,  and  agents  for  original  Budweiser. 

The  trade  of  this  house  is  steadily  increasing, 
and  its  resources  are  ample  to  meet  all  demands 
made  upon  it,  and  its  policy  entitles  it  to  the 
consideration  of  the  trade,  who  will  find  assured 
advantages  in  dealing  here. 

They  also  have  in  connection  with  their  grocery 
business  a  buffet,  located  at  296  Main  street, 
which  is  one  of  the  largest  and  finest  places  in 
the  city  or  in  the  State,  covering  an  area  of 
20x75,  with  basement,  employing  three  assistants. 

They  are  agents  for  Joseph  Schiltz's  celebrated 
lager  beer,  which  they  are  bottling  for  families 
and  hotels,  and  also  direct  agents  for  Sherwood's 
pure  malt  whiskies,  which  they  bottle  to  a  great 
extent  for  families. 

Mr.  H.  C.  Stegeman  and  David  Whetstine  are 
energetic  men  of  business. 


Benjamin  &  Eames,  Plumbing,  Steam  and 
Gas  Fitting,  Tin  and  Sheet  Iron  Work,  Agents 
for  Gold's  Patent  Steam  Heaters,  Knowles'  Steam 
Pump,  etc.,  No.  434  Water  Street. — Among  the 
prosperous  business  houses  of  Bridgeport,  whose 
extensive  operations  and  well  established  reputa- 
tion entitles  them  to  our  most  favorable  consid- 
eration, we  note  with  pleasure  the  one  above 
named,  the  character  and  extent  of  whose  busi- 
ness furnishes  a  fitting  example  of  that  class  of 
houses  whose  success  is  the  best  evidence  we 
can  offer  of  the  claims  of  this  thriving  city  to 
the  consideration  of  the  patronizing  public. 

The  enterprise  whose  business  card  heads  this 
article  was  established  in  1881  by  its  present  pro- 
prietors, Messrs  Benjamin  &  Eames,  and  from  its 
inception  has  enjoyed  a  steadily  increasing  busi- 
ness, and  is  to-day  ranked  among  our  most  com- 
plete plumbing  and  gas-fitting  establishments. 

The  premises  utilized  for  the  business  are  lo- 
cated at  434  Water  street  and  are  30x70  feet  in  di- 
mensions. Here  a  large  and  complete  stock  of 
plumbing  and  gas-fitting  materials  maybe  found. 
In  connection  with  the  plumbing,  steam  and  gas- 
fitting  business,  Messrs.  Benjamin  &  Eames  do 
an  extensive  business  in  tin  and  sheet  iron  work. 
They  are  also  agents  for  Gold's  patent  steam 
heater,  Knowles'  steam  pumps,  etc. 

The  extent  to  which  their  business  has  reached 
requires  the  employment  of  from  fifteen  to  twen- 
ty skilled  workmen,  and  Messrs.  Benjamin  & 
Eames  being  practical  men  of  business,  all  work 
entrusted  to  this  house  is  guaranteed  to  be  per- 
formed in  the  best  manner  possible  and  perfect 
satisfaction  warranted. 

Mr.  J.  C.  Benjamin  is  a  native  of  Connecticut 
and  C.  S.  Eames  of  Massachusetts.  They  are 
both  well  and  favorably  known  in  Bridgeport. 


72 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Bridgeport  Corset  Co.,  Noble  Avenue. — A 
leading  house  in  the  manufacture  of  corsets  is  that 
conducted  under  the  above  title  by  I.  W.  Birds- 
eye  &  Co. 

This  business  was  originally  started  by  Mr. 
Birdseye  in  1865  and  tbe  first  factory  was  located 
in  Birmingham  where  it  is  still  conducted.  The 
business  which  started  twenty-two  years  ago  has 
grown  rapidly  and  in  1879  the  Bridgeport  factory 
was  opened,  which  is  200x40  feet  in  size  and  five 
stories  in  height. 

Here  every  facility  that  years  of  experience 
can  suggest  and  ample  capital  procure  is  at  hand. 
The  machinery  which  is  of  improved  design  and 
workmanship  is  operated  by  a  steam  engine  of 
fifty  horse-power.  Water  power  is  used  at  the 
Birmingham  factory,  which  is  125x40  feet  and 
four  stories.  Some  450  skilled  operators  are 
given  employment  and  the  product  of  the  facto- 
ries is  shipped  to  every  section  of  the  United 
States,  the  selling  agents  being  J.  G.  Fitzpatrick 
&  Co.,  89  Leonard  street,  New  York. 

The  corsets  manufactured  by  this  company  are 
of  a  high  grade  of  quality,  finish,  fit  and  durabil- 
ity. The  richest  and  most  expensive  dress  will 
not  show  to  advantage  unless  a  well-fitting  pair 
of  corsets  is  worn,  and  none  will  keep  their 
shape  better  or  wear  longer  than  the  popular 
makes  turned  out  by  the  Bridgeport  Corset  Com- 
pany. 

Every  care  is  taken  in  the  purchase  of  the  ma- 
terial and  in  the  thorough  inspection  of  the  work 
through  the  different  processes  of  manufacture. 
This  has  resulted  in  maintaining,  unimpaired,  the 
reputation  of  the  house  for  quality  and  general 
excellence  of  goods  manufactured,  and  to  this 
fact  is  due  the  large  trade  of  the  firm  which  is 
now  among  the  largest  of  the  kind  in  the  United 
States. 

Mr.  Birdseye  is  a  native  of  Huntington,  Fair- 
field county,  Connecticut,  and  a  gentleman  well 
and  favorably  known  in  Birmingham  and  in 
Bridgeport,  where  he  has  resided  since  1880. 

Rogers  &  Morford,  Wholesale  Grocers,  But- 
ter, Cheese  and  Commission  Merchants,  Nos. 
469,  471,  473  and  475  Water  Street.— Standing 
in  the  front  rank  in  this  line  is  the  well-known 
house  conducted  by  Rogers  &  Morford,  situated 
at  Nos.  469  to  475  Water  street. 

The  building  occupied  by  them  consists  of  five 
stories  50x110  feet  in  dimensions  and  is  entirely 
filled  with  a  complete  stock  of  goods  in  their  line 
of  trade,  embracing  sugars,  coffees,  teas,  flour, 
etc.  They  a'so  deal  extensively  in  butter  and' 
cheese  and  are  also  agents  for  Pillsbury's  flour 
and  Pratt's  astral  oil.  Their  prices  are  the  very 
lowest  to  be  obtained  in  this  city  for  first  class 
goods. 

A  rapidly  increasing  interest  in  this  house  is 
manifested  by  dealers,  and  the  facilities  for  sup 
plying  them  upon  favorable  terms  are  unsurpass- 
ed by  any  wholesale  and  retail  establishment  in 
this  line  in  Bridgeport. 

A  large  force  of  assistants  are  employed  and 
they  have  also  in  connection  with  their  business 
an  Otis  steam  elevator  with  a  capacity  of  4000  lbs. 

This  well-known  house  was  established  in  1876 
by  Mr.  Noah  Rogers,  having  been  under  the 
present  management  since  1881.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  reliable  houses  in  the  city.     The  business  is 


conducted  in  the  most  prompt  and  systematic- 
style  and  meets  that  liberal  patronage  which 
gives  to  it  a  commanding  influence. 

The  members  of  the  firm  are  Messrs.  Noah. 
Rogers  &  Geo.  Morford,  both  reliable  gentlemen. 
With  an  activity  and  industry  that  knows  no 
pause,  they  have  made  their  house  a  favorite  one 
for  those  who  appreciate  the  advantages  they 
offer  in  quality,  quantity  and  prices.  We  be- 
speak for  them  a  continuance  of  the  patronage 
they  so  well  deserve. 

Dwight  H.  Terry,  Investment  Securities, 
Office  No.  69  State  Street,  next  East  of  Pequon- 
nock  Bank. — In  this  work  of  the  commercial 
resources  and  industrial  advance  of  the  city,  it 
will  not  be  out  of  place  for  us  to  speak  of  the 
business  of  a  gentleman,  who  for  so  many  years 
has  been  actively  engaged  in  the  insurance  busi- 
ness, and  in  the  sale  of  investment  securities.  We 
refer  to  Mr.  Dwight  H.  Terry,  who  established 
his  business  here  in  1867,  and  has  so  conducted 
it  that  to-day  he  stands  among  the  leading  busi- 
ness men  of  Bridgeport. 

The  premises  occupied  by  him  consist  of  a 
fine  office  30x25  feet  in  dimensions,  and  is  located 
at  69  State  street. 

Mr.  Terry  at  present  devotes  his  energies  to 
the  transaction  of  the  insurance  business  to  a 
limited  extent  only,  giving  his  principal  attention 
to  the  sale  of  Western  farm  mortgages,  in  wTkich 
he  is  considered  a  reliable  and  trustworthy  au- 
thority.    He  also  officiates  as  notaiy  public. 

Mr.  Terry  is  a  native  of  Plymouth,  Connecti- 
cut, but  has  been  a  resident  of  Bridgeport  for 
twenty  years,  and  is  a  highly  respected  member 
of  both  social  and  business  circles  of  this  com- 
munity. 

J.  E.  Howes,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Dealer  in 
Paper,  Paper  Bags,  Twines  and  Butter  Dishes, 
48  Middle  Street,  Standard  Building.— One  of  the- 
class  of  pushing,  enterprising  merchants  to  whom 
Bridgeport  owes  in  a  great  measure  her  commer- 
cial supremacy  is  Mr.  J.  E.  Howes,  whose  place 
of  business  is  located  at  No.  48  Middle  street, 
Standard  Building. 

This  gentleman  is  a  native  of  the  city  in  which 
he  does  business  and  founded  his  present  estab- 
lishment about  a  year  ago.  He  carries  on  a 
wholesale  and  retail  trade  in  paper,  paper  bags, 
twines  and  butter  dishes,  and  tags,  envelopes, 
writing  pads,  etc. 

He  occupies  premises  very  centrally  located  at 
48  Middle  street.  Mr.  Howes  brought  to  his  en- 
terprise a  vigor,  energy  and  intelligence  which 
demanded  and  deserved  success,  and  that  his  ex- 
pectation in  this  respect  have  been  more  that  re- 
alized is  a  fact  which,  in  view  of  all  the  circum- 
stances attending  the  case,  is  much  more  gratify- 
ing than  it  is  surprising.  A  large  and  well- 
selected  stock  of  the  various  articles  dealt  in  is- 
carried,  and  Mr.  Howes  is  prepared  at  all  times 
to  meet  reasonable  competition,  as  he  keeps  a 
sharp  eye  on  the  market  he  is  ever  prepared  to 
meet  whatever  exigencies  may  arise. 

An  ample  force  of  assistants  is  on  hand  and  all 
orders  will  be  given  prompt  and  pains-taking  at- 
tention. Mr.  Alex  Morrisey  who  has  been  iden- 
tified for  many  years  with  the  paper  business., 
represents  Mr.  Howes  on  the  road. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


73 


C.  H.  Bennett  Dealer  in  Boots  and  Shoes,  339 
Main  Street,  next  City  Bakery. — The  establish- 
ment known  as  "Bennett's  Mammoth  One  Price 
Boot  and  Shoe  Store"  is  well  known  and  too  high- 
ly regarded  by  the  residents  of  this  city  to  require 
extended  mention  by  us,  were  it  not  for  the  fact 
that  the  importance  of  this  model  enterprise  de- 
mands suitable  recognition  in  this  account  of  the 
city's  industrial  growth. 

Mr.  Bennett  started  in  business  in  1878  and 
very  soon  established  a  large  and  desirable  pat- 
ronage, which  has  steadily  increased  until  it  has 
become  an  important  factor  in  Bridgeport's  retail 
trade. 

The  store  occupied  is  30x100  feet  in  dimen- 
sions and  contains  a  magnificent  and  admirably 
selected  stock  of  boots,  shoes,  rubbers,  etc. 
Mr.  Bennett  evidently  believes  in  quick  sales  and 
small  profits,  for  he  offers  ladies'  best  French  kid 
button  shoes,  the  best  fitting  goods  in  the  market 
■and  fully  warranted,  at  the  absurdly  low  figure 
of  $3.50,  and  ladies'  dongola,  curacoa,  kid  and 
glove  top  button  in  common  sense  and  opera  toe 
at  $2.00  and  $2.50. 

Four  courteous  and  experienced  salesmen  are 
employed  and  prompt  and  careful  attention  is 
shown  to  all  customers.  A  full  line  of  goods  for 
men  is  also  in  stock  and  is  offered  at  very  low 
rates. 

Mr.  Bennett  is  a  native  of  Plainfield,  Connecti- 
cut, and  is  one  of  the  most  pushing  and  ener- 
getic  of  Bridgeport's  men  of  business. 

S.  H.  Gage  &  Co.,  Brokers,  Bishop  Block, 
Bridgeport,  Conn.,  United  Bank  Building,  Dan- 
bury.  Stocks,  Grain,  Provisions  and  Petroleum, 
Bought  and  Sold  in  Fractional  Lots  and  on  Mar- 
gins to  suit  customers. — A  recently  established 
but  already  successful  brokerage  firm  in  this  city 
is  that  of  S.  H.  Gage  &  Co.,  whose  offices  are  in 
Bishop  Block. 

This  enterprise  was  started  on  the  1st  of  Jan- 
uary, 1887,  and  has  already  proved  itself  to  be 
worthy  of  the  highest  confidence  andmost liberal 
patronage.  Stocks,  grain,  provisions  and  petro- 
leum are  bought  and  sold  in  fractional  lots  and 
margins  to  suit  customers,  and  as  the  offices 
have  telephone  connection  and  the  use  of  private 
wires  to  New  York  and  Chicago,  exceptional  ad- 
vantages are  offered  to  those  wishing  to  make  in- 
vestments in  any  of  the  articles  mentioned.  Mr. 
S  H.  Gage,  who  is  the  resident  member  of  the 
firm,  has  had  much  experience  in  this  line  of 
business  and  enjoys  a  very  high  reputation  for 
probity,  em  rgy  and  business  shrewdness.  He  is 
a  keen  and  discriminating  judge  of  the  stock  and 
produce  markets  and  is  well  known  among  in- 
vestors of  the  New  York  and  Chicago  exchanges. 
All  orders  will  receive  prompt  and  careful  atten- 
tion and  instructions  rnaj'  be  given  with  the 
surety  that  they  will  be  followed  to  the  letter. 

An  elegant  suite  of  rooms  is  occupied  by  this 
firm  and  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  its 
patrons  are  everywhere  consulted. 

A  branch  office  has  been  recently  opened  in 
United  Bank  Building,  Danbury,  which  is  in 
charge  of  the  other  partner,  Mr.  Edward  Banks. 
As  the  two  offices  are  connected  by  private  wire, 
equal  advantages  are  offered  as  at  the  main 
office,  and  orders  will  receive  the  same  prompt 
ami  careful  attention. 


E.  S.  Belknap,  Dealer  in  Teas,  Coffees,  Spices, 
Sugars,  488  Main  Street. — This  establishment  is 
probably  one  of  the  leading  stores  in  the  city 
devoted  exclusively  to  the  tea,  coffee,  and  spice 
trade. 

This  enterprise  was  first  established  in  1876  as 
a  tea  company,  and  was  conducted  as  such  until 
January,  1887,  when  Mr.  E.  S.  Belknap  assumed 
proprietorship,  and  has  since  been  conducted  in 
such  an  enterprising  business  spirit  that  it  has 
become  tiie  popular  house  with  those  who  use 
nothing  but  the  best  quality  of  goods  in  this 
line.  The  store  is  eligibly  located,  at  488  Main 
street,  and  well  stocked  with  the  finest  grades  of 
teas,  coffee,  spices,  sugars,  etc.  The  large  retail 
trade  of  this  house  requires  the  employment  of 
three  thoroughly  competent  clerks,  who  are 
prompt  and  efficient  in  the  transactions  of  all 
their  duties. 

The  store,  which  is  24x50  feet  in  size,  is  at- 
tractively fitted  up,  and  patrons  are  presented 
with  an  elegant  gift  in  crockery,  etc.,  when  pur- 
chasing goods,  and  the  fact  of  this  feature  of  the 
business  being  so  generously  carried  out  draws 
many  to  the  store  who  would  probably  not  have 
been  numbered  among  its  customers. 

The  excellent  quality  of  the  goods  sold  here, 
which  is  proved  by  a  trial  of  them,  has  extended 
the  trade  to  all  parts  of  the  city  and  suburban 
towns. 

Mr.  E.  S.  Belknap  is  an  active,  enterprising- 
business  man  and  representative  citizen. 

New  York  Butter  House,  F.  I.  Hitchcock, 
Wholesale  and  Retail  Dealer  in  Butter,  Cheese 
and  Eggs,  44  Fairfield  Avenue. — If  there 
is  one  branch  or  department  of  general 
commerce  that  is  of  more  importance  than  the 
produce  trade  then  we  plead  ignorance  of  it. 
Because  it  deals  exclusively  with  the  necessities 
of  every  day  life  it  seems  to  us  pre-eminent,  and 
in  considering  the  relative  value  of  commercial 
interests,  those  which  contribute  most  largely  to 
the  supply  of  the  actual  necessities  of  mankind 
are  entitled  to  be  regarded  as  the  most  import- 
ant. A  representative  house  engaged  in  the 
butter,  chee?e  and  egg  trade  in  Bridgeport  is  that 
of  the  New  York  Butter  House,  F.  I.  Hitchcock, 
proprietor,  located  at  No.  44  Fairfield  avenue, 
which  was  established  in  1877  by  Mr.  Hitchcock 
and  has  been  conducted  in  an  eminently  success- 
ful manner. 

The  premises  of  the  firm  consist  of  a  store 
24x50  feet  in  dimensions,  which  affords  ample 
accommodation  for  the  storage  of  stock.  Mr. 
Hitchcock  transacts  a  large  wholesale  and  retail 
trade  throughout  this  section  of  the  State  and 
has  established  a  well  earned  reputation  for 
keeping  a  first-class  line  of  goods  at  moderate 
prices.  His  specialties  are  butter,  cheese  and 
eggs.  These  goods  he  receives  direct  from  dairy- 
men and  are  therefore  absolutely  pure  and  un- 
adulterated. Shipments  are  received  almost 
daily  and  the  trade  may  at  all  times  find  the 
freshest  and  choicest  goods  of  this  character  at 
this  establishment. 

Four  assistants  are  employed  and  all  orders  aie 
promptly  and  carefully  filled. 

Mr.  Hitchcock  is  a  native  of  Connecticut  and 
may  be  considered  as  identified  with  the  interests 
of  this  city  in  the  broadest  sense. 


74 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Standard  Cab  Co.,  Central  Office  433  Main 
Street,  comer  Fairfield  avenue,  F.  H.  Vann  & 
Co.,  Proprietors.— One  of  the  most  popular 
modes  of  conveyance  in  this  city  is  that  afforded 
by  the  Standard  Cab  Company,  whose  central 
office  is  located  in  Charles  E.  Shelton's  drug 
store,  at  No.  433  Main  street,  corner  Fairfield 
avenue,  and  a  branch  office  at  C.  A.  Dorman's 
livery  stable,  403  Broad  (head  of  Bank.)  This  en- 
terprising company  which  is  the  original  pioneer 
line  is  always  prepared  to  furnish  cabs  at  short 
notice  and  their  rates  are  most  reasonable,  being 
but  $1.00  per  hour  or  may  be  hired  by  the  trip. 
Orders  by  mail,  telephone  or  telegraph  promptly 
attended  to  and  only  the  most  reliable  men  are 
employed  as  drivers,  they  being  selected  with 
great  care  as  to  sobriety,  honesty,  careful  driv- 
ing, and  courtesy  toward  passengers.  This  enter- 
prising company  have  every  facility  for  their  busi- 
ness, occupying  a  fine  stable,  admirably  arranged 
and  neatly  kept,  a  large  force  of  competent  men 
are  employed  and  every  convenience  is  at  hand 
for  the  care  of  horses  and  cabs. 

They  are  also  prr pared  to  furnish  coaches  for 
weddings,  receptions  and  funerals  at  popular 
prices  and  at  short  notice.  Mr.  F.  H.  Vann,  the 
superintendent,  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows 
and  the  Elks.  He  is  also  general  agent  for  the 
Horse  Owners  Mutual  Benefit  and  Indemnity 
society.  Every  owner  of  a  horse  should  protect 
their  horses  against  accident  and  death  from  any 
cause  by  insuring  in  this  popular  company. 

For  weddings,  receptions,  calling,  etc. ,  they  have 
some  elegant  new  Victoria  Hansoms,  which  for 
elegance  and  ease  cannot  be  excelled.  These  are 
furnished  at  the  same  rates  as  the  cabs. 

The  proprietors  of  this  establishment  are 
Messrs.  F.  H.  Vann  &  Co., gentlemen  of  enterprise 
and  business  ability,  well  able  to  manage  an  im- 
portant business  such  as  this  is.  No  better  regu- 
lated or  more  complete  cab  service  can  be  found  in 
any  city  than  that  of  the  Standard  Cab  Co.  of 
Bridgeport,  and  it  is  one  of  which  the  citizens 
may  well  be  proud. 

Banking  House  of  T.  L.  Watson  &  Co.,  355 
Main  Street. — A  banking  house  which  has  been 
prominently  identified  with  Bridgeport's  com- 
mercial prosperity  during  the  past  twenty  years 
is  that  conducted  by  T.  L.  Watson  &  Co.  at  No. 
355  Main  street. 

It  was  established  by  Messrs.  Hatch  &  Watson 
in  18C7,  and  was  carried  on  by  these  gentlemen 
until  the  death  of  Mr.  Hatch,  which  occurred 
about  ten  years  ago,  since  when  the  business  has 
been  continued  under  the  present  style.  This 
house  is  a  great  favorite  with  investors  by  reason 


of  its  reliability  and  promptness  in  filling  orders, 
and  thus  enjoys  a  large  and  increasing  patronage. 
Stocks,  Grain,  Provisions  and  Pretroleum  aie 
bought  and  sold  for  cash,  or  on  margins  to  suit 
customers,  and  on  account  of  its  long  establish- 
ment and  extensive  acquaintance  among  promi- 
nent operators,  etc.,  it  possesses  exceptional  ad- 
vantages in  attendiug  to  the  instructions  of  cus 
tomers  as  regards  these  articles.  Private  tele- 
graphic communication  is  had  with  the  exchangt  s 
of  New  York  and  Chicago  and  the  other  princi- 
pal exchanges  of  the  country,  so  that  early  and 
reliable  information  as  to  the  state  of  the  market 
in  these  centers  is  assured  and  orders  readily  and 
securely  placed.  T.  L.  Watson  &  Co.  receive 
deposits  subject  to  check  at  sight  and  allow  inter- 
est on  daily  balances  at  rate  of  three  per  cent., 
and  in  this  department  of  their  business  they  have 
about  a  thousand  depositors. 

They  make  collections  of  drafts,  notes,  divi- 
dends and  coupons  throughout  the  United  States 
and  Canada  and  issue  drafts  on  the  principal 
cities  of  England,  France,  Germany,  etc.  They 
deal  in  government  bonds  and  investment  securi- 
ties, also  seven  per  cent.  Western  Farm  Loans  of 
undoubted  security. 

Colonel  Watson  is  one  of  our  best  known  and 
most  public  spirited  citizens  and  enjoys  to  the 
highest  degree  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the 
business  community.  The  evidence  of  his  popu- 
larity and  ability  is  shown  by  the  many  appoint- 
ments to  positions  of  responsibility  and  trust  he 
is  now  filling. 

He  is  the  senior  member  of  the  flourishing 
banking  house  of  Watson  &  Gilson,  New  York; 
second  vice  president  of  the  Consolidated  Stock 
and  Petroleum  Exchange  of  New  York;  presi- 
dent of  two  Gas  Light  companies:  Colonel  of  the 
Fourth  Regiment  Connecticut  National  Guard ; 
President  of  the  Fairfield  County  Agricultural 
Society,  etc. 

The  house  of  T.  L.  Watson  &  Co.  is  carefully 
organized  in  all  its  departments  and  has  ample 
facilities  and  abundant  capital  for  the  transaction 
of  conservative  banking  in  all  its  branches. 

B.  Shoninger  &  Co.,  New  Haven,  Conn., 
Manufacturers  of  the  Celebrated  Shoninger  Up- 
right Piauos  and  Organs.     General  State  Agents 


for  the  Weber,  Emerson  and  Wheelock  Pianos. 
Bianch  Warerooms  removed  to  42  Fairfield  Ave- 
nue, H.  M.  Copp,  Manager. — Great  improvements 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


75 


have  been  made  of  late  years  in  the  construction 
of  musical  instruments,  and  the  utmost  resources 
of  art,  of  skill  and  of  science  are  brought  to  bear 
upon  their  manufacture.  In  Bridgeport,  noted 
■for  its  culture  and  refinement,  are  several  estab- 
lishments devoted  to  the  sale  of  pianos  and  or- 
gans, and  in  this  connection  we  desire  to  call  the 
attention  of  our  readers  to  the  Bridgeport  agency 
of  B.  Shoninger  &  Co.,  New  Haven. 

This  agency,  whose  manager  is  Mr.  H.  M. 
Copp,  is  located  at  No.  42  Fairfield  avenue. 
Here  can  be  seen  one  of  the  best  selected  stocks 
of  the  celebrated  Shoninger  upright  pianos  and 
organs;  the  Shoninger  Co.  being  also  the  gen- 
eral State  agents  for  the  Weber,  Emerson  and 
Wheelock  pianos. 

This  branch  was  founded  some  six  years  ago 
and  Mr.  Copp  has  since  conducted  it  in  an  emi- 
nently successful  manner  to  both  himself  and  his 
customers  and  his  prices  are  the  very  lowest  to 
be  obtained  for  first-class  instruments. 

Mr.  Copp  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  possesses 
a  practical  experience  of  sixteen  years  with  this 
company  as  manager  of  different  warerooms, 
and  by  his  energy,  enterprise  and  liberal  dealing, 
bas  secured  a  large  trade  and  established  a  repu- 
tation second  to  no  other  dealer  in  the  city. 

The  Bridgeport  Bottling  Company,  Manu- 
facturers of  Lemon  Soda,  Sarsaparilla,  and  Bel- 
fast Ginger  Ale,  Mineral  Waters  in  Syphons, 
Lager,  Ale  and  Porter  Bottled  Expressly  for 
Family  Use,  509  and  511  Water  Street.  Atlantic 
Hotel  Building,  Rohrback  &  Boyle  Proprietors. 
— Lager  beer  seem?  to  have  been  from  the  earliest 
antiquity,  the  beverage  that  assimilated  closest 
to  the  hygienic  necessities  of  man,  but  the  time 
when  beer  was  first  manufactured  is  wrapped  in 
the  dim  chronology  of  the  past. 

The  enterprise  which  we  are  desirous  of  call- 
ing the  attention  of  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport 
to  is  that  of  the  Bridgeport  Bottling  Company, 
which  was  established  in  1880,  and  is  located  at 
509  and  511  Water  street,  in  the  Atlantic  Hotel 
Building,  and  covers  an  area  of  30x40  feet.  The 
proprietors  of  the  above-named  company  arc 
Messrs.  Rohrback  &  Boyle,  who  are  manufac- 
turers of  lemon  soda,  sarsaparilla  and  Belfast  gin- 
ger ale,  mineral  water  in  syphons,  also  lager 
beer,  ale,  and  porter  bottled  expressly  for  family 
use. 

The  productions  of  this  house  are  distinguished 
for  purity,  brilliancy  of  color  and  richness  of 
flavor;  qualities  the  result  of  intelligence,  care, 
experience;  the  use  of  the  best  modern  ap- 
paratus, and  superior  standards  of  both  quality 
and  quantity  of  ingredients  used.  The  large 
wholesale  and  retail  trade  of  this  house  requires 
the  employment  of  four  assistants  in  winter  and 
six  in  summer.  This  house  is  connected  with 
the  telephone,  and  all  orders  received  are 
promptly  attended  to.  Our  readers  interested 
will  realize  from  the  above  remarks  the  facilities 
of  this  house,  and  dealers  will  do  well  to  give  the 
productions  of  this  house  a  trial. 

Mr.  Boyle  was  born  in  Bridgeport,  is  88  years 
of  age,  and  has  always  lived  here.  He  was  in 
the  news  business  for  eighteen  years;  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Knights  of  Honor  and  United  Order 
of  Friends. 

Mr.  Rohrback   was  born    in   Germanjr.       He 


served  his  adopted  countiy  during  the  late  war, 
having  been  a  member  of  the  First  Regiment, 
Company  B.  He  belongs  to  the  Grand  Army  of 
the  Republic;  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows; 
Bridgeport  Sharp-shooteis,  and  the  Germania 
Singing  Society.  Their  place  of  business  is  at 
Nos.  507,  509,  oil  Water  street.  They  possess 
ample  facilities  for  doing  business,  and  both  are 
well  known  and  highly  esteemed  citizens. 

L.  F.  Curtis,  Druggist,    Main,    corner  of  Elm 

Street. — This  is  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  prom- 
inent houses  in  Bridgeport  devoted  to  the  drug 
and  medicine  line  of  trade,  and  one  whose  pros- 
perous career  furnishes  a  fitting  example  ot  the 
many  advantages  this  city  possesses,  as  a  point 
in  which  to  establish  enterprises  of  any  character. 
This  business  was  established  in  1861  by  its  pres- 
ent proprietor,  Mr.  L.  F.  Curtis,  who  during  the 
twenty-six  years  since  that  date  has  been  so  suc- 
cessful in  extending  his  steadily  increasing  trade, 
which  is  both  wholesale  and  retail,  that  he  is  to- 
day the  proprietor  of  three  other  stores  in  this 
city  in  connection  with  the  one  above-named. 

The  principal  store  is  located  at  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Elm  streets;  this  store  covers  an  area 
of  25x85  feet  in  dimensions,  and  contains  a  large 
and  very  fine  stock  of  pure  drugs  and  medicines, 
perfumery,  toilet  and  fancy  articles  and  all  drug- 
gists' sundries. 

Employment  is  given  in  the  various  depart- 
ments to  about  ten  thoroughly  competent  assist- 
ants, and  the  patrons  of  this  establishment  are 
assured  that  physicians'  prescriptions  are  care- 
fully prepared,  and  that  none  but  the  purest 
drugs  and  medicines  are  used  here  in  the  com- 
pounding of  physicians'  prescriptions  and  family 
receipts  and  every  care  is  taken. 

Mr.  L.  F.  Curtis  is  a  native  of  Stafford.  Conn., 
and  is  one  of  the  best-known  and  popular  busi- 
ness men  of  Bridgeport. 

Goodyear  Rubber  Store,  465  Main  Street,  F. 
C.  Tuttle,  Proprietor. — Perhaps  one  of  the  most 
indispensable  branches  of  trade  that  we  have 
among  us  is  that  of  rubber  goods,  etc.,  and  the 
only  house  devoted  exclusively  to  handling  this 
class  of  goods  in  Bridgeport  is  that  of  Mr.  F.  C. 
Tuttle,  at  No.  465  Main  street,  who  deals  en- 
tirely in  the  celebrated  "Goodyear"  Rubber 
goods.  This  branch  was  established  in  April,  of 
the  present  year,  the  main  store  being  located  in 
New  Haven  at  No.  73  Church  street.  The 
premises  in  which  the  business  is  carried  on  in 
Bridgeport  consist  of  a  store  50x25  feet  in  area, 
where  the  goods  are  arranged  in  a  systematic 
manner,  displaying  every  conceivable  article 
known  in  this  branch  of  trade.  All  the  novel- 
ties of  the  trade  may  be  found  here  as  soon  as 
manufactured,  and  the  stock  of  useful  and  stand- 
ard articles  is  very  extensive.  Four  are  em- 
ployed in  this  store  and  all  are  waited  upon  with 
promptness  and  attention.  The  trade  has  in  this 
short  time  assumed  immense  proportions  and  is 
both  wholesale  and  retail. 

Mr.  Tuttle,  although  a  native  of  New  Haven, 
is  too  well  known  in  this  community  to  admit 
of  further  comment  at  our  hands.  We  may  add 
in  conclusion  however,  that  his  establishment  is 
regulated  with  the  best  system  and  order  and  his 
prices  will  be  found  reasonable  and  just. 


76 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


The  Keller  Piano  Company,  Manufacturers 
of  Piano  Fortes,  No.  88  John  Street.— With 
many  years'  practical  experience  in  the  business, 
Messrs.  Jos.  Keller  and  F.  C.  Stickney,  both 
suece-sful  expert  manufacturers  of  pianos,  estab- 
lished themselves  in  business  in  Bridgeport,  and 
their  success  was  both  gratifying  and  deserved. 
The  growth  of  their  trade  was  such  that  a  large 
increase  in  facilities  was  absolutely  demanded, 
and  the  business  was  incorporated  in  March, 
1887,  with  Joseph  Keller  as  President,  and  J.  W. 
Knowlton,  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

The  company  occupips  a  large  factory  at  No. 
88  John  street,  which  is  a  model  of  complete- 
ness and  convenience  in  its  equipment  and  ar- 
rangement, the  machinery  being  operated  by 
steam-power,  and  a  force  of  skilled  workmen  of 
Ions;  experience  in  the  various  details  of  the 
business  is  employed. 

The  piano  fortes  of  this  reliable  house  have  a 
wide  spread  reputation  for  quality  of  tone  and 
touch,  durability  and  general  excellence  of  finish, 
and  the  demand  for  their  instruments  emphasizes 
the  opinion  of  musical  experts  as  to  their  desir- 
able and  admirable  qualities. 

The  best  of  thoroughly  seasoned  and  prepared 
materials  alone  are  used  in  the  construction  of 
their  pianos,  and  their  facilities  for  satisfactorily 
supplying  the  needs  of  the  most  exacting  are  all 
that  could  be  desired. 

The  officers  and  directors  are  energetic,  pro- 
gressive, reliable  business  men,  and  their  worth 
and  tact  has  firmly  established  the  company  in  a 
large  and  growing  trade,  and  in  the  good  opinion 
of  all  with  whom  they  are  brought  into  business 
relations. 


Hull  &  Palmer,  Civil,  Hydraulic  and  Con- 
sulting Engineers,  Room  14,  Waller's  Building. — 
That  a  thing  "  well  begun  is  half  done '*  is  a 
saying  as  true  as  it  is  old,  for  oftaitimes  the 
principal  difficulties  attendant«upon  an  enterprise 
must  be  overcome  during  its  inception,  totally 
disappearing  when  once  the  proper  start  has  been 
made. 

This  being  understood,  and  the  importance  of 
beginning  in  the  right  way  appreciated,  the  value 
of  expert  advice  when  any  enterprise  of  moment 
is  in  contemplation  will  be  readily  seen,  and 
such  counsel  will  be  obtained  whenever  possible. 
For  instance,  no  one  would  think  of  building  a 
cotton  or  a  paper  mill  to  be  run  by  water-power 
without  first  securing  the  services  of  a  competent 
hydraulic  engineer,  and  by  the  way,  right  here 
iu  this  city,  at  Room  14,  Housatonic  R.  R.  build- 
ing is  located  a  firm  of  Civil  and  Hydraulic  engin- 
eers that  is  second  to  none.  We  refer  to  Messrs. 
Hull  &  Palmer. 

Mr.  Bradley  H.  Hull  began  the  practice  of  his 
profession  here  some  thirty  years  ago,  and  has 
established  a  most  enviable  reputation  as  a  skill- 
ful and  progressive  engineer. 

Wm.  B.  Palmer  became  associated  with  him 
under  the  present  firm  name  in  1885,  and  the 
union  has  proved  mutually  advantageous. 

Special  attention  is  given  to  the  construction 
of  water  works,  dams,  etc.,  and  plans  and  speci- 
fications for  cotton,  woolen,  paper  and  flouring 
mills,  railroads,  farms  and  estates  are  promptly 
and  accurately  surveyed,  and  maps  and  plans 
furnished  showing  all  -  desired  details.  Also 
special  attention  is  given  to  the  sewerage  and 
drainage  of  cities  and  towns. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Charles  B.  Russell,  Manufacturer  of  3d.  Fine 
Lath-Nails,  Upholsters'  Tacks,  Carpet  Tacks,  etc., 
237  Water  Street. — We  fancy  that  very  few 
people  have  any  idea  of  the  immense  variety  of 
nails,  tacks,  etc.,  there  is  produced  in  this  coun- 
try or  of  the  many  costly  and  ingenious  machines 
in  use  in  this  industry.  When  one  thinks  of  the 
enormous  difference  between  a  railroad  spike 
and  a  half  ounce  carpet  tack,  and  of  the  almost 
innumerable  variety  of  fastenings  that  come  in 
between  these  extremes,  he  gains  some  faint  con- 
ception of  the  importance  and  extent  of  this  line 
of  manufacture,  but  nothing  shirt  of  a  personal 
inspection  of  the  factories  would  really  bring 
the  matter  home  to  him. 

A  house  in  this  city  devoted  to  the  manufac- 
ture of  3d.  fine  lath  nails,  upholsterers'  tacks, 
carpet  tacks,  etc.,  is  that  carried  on  by  Mi'. 
Charles  B.  Russell,  at  No.  23?  Water  street. 
This  enterprise  was  inaugurated  in  188(5,  and 
has  already  secured  a  firm  and  assured  footing. 
The  proprietor  is  a  native  of  Birmingham,  and  is 
a  well  known  business  man.  The  factory  com- 
prises one  floor  34x90  feet  in  dimensions 
and  another  30x35  feet.  It  is  fully  fitted  up 
with  modern  improved  machinery,  and  is  sup- 
plied with  ample  steam  power.  The  produc- 
tions of  this  house  are  becoming  generally  known 
throughout  the  trade,  and  the  business  bids  fair 
to  soon  outgrow  its  present  quarters. 

Charles  H.  Hartmann,  Successor  of  the 
Bridgeport  Brewing  Co.,  127  and  129  Hamilton 
Street,  East  Bridgeport. — If  there  is  one  industry 
in  this  country  which  shows  every  sign  of  not 
only  being  great  at  present,  but  also  of  haviDg  a 
still  greater  extension  in  the  near  future,  it  is 
that  of  the  brewer,  for  despite  all  the  studied 
and  vehement  opposition  which  many  well-mean- 
ine;,  but  in  our  opinion  deluded,  people  have 
offered  to  its  sale  and  use,  the  great  favor  with 
which  lager  beer  has  been  received  by  the  large 
majority  of  people  has  made  its  manufacture  a 
business  of  immense  proportions.  And  it  is  well 
that  this  should  be  so,  for  as  the  history  of  man- 
kind goes  to  showr  that  with  all  peoples  and  in 
all  ages,  a  stimulant  of  some  kiud  has  been 
invariably  used,  it  is  of  course  better  that  Ibis 
necessity  should  be  as  harmless  and  as  healthful 
as  possible,  and  no  objections  can  reasonably  be 
made  to  lager  beer,  that  is  to  say,  provided  it  be 
pure,  on  the  ground  that  it  is  noxious.  It  is 
easy  to  obtain  a  pure  and  reliable  article  if  pains 
are  taken  to  patronize  a  reputable  brewer,  and 
in  the  Eastern  States  no  beer  can  be  found  of 
more  uniform  and  healthful  quality  than  that 
produced  by  Mr.  Charles  H.  Hartmann,  who 
succeeded  the  Bridgeport  Brewing  Company,  at 
Nos.  127-129  Hamilton  street. 

Business  was  begun  in  1886,  and  a  large  and 
desirable  trade  has  already  been  established 
The  brewery  is  four  stories  in  height,  and  covers 
half  an  acre  of  ground.  It  is  supplied  with 
steam  power,  and  all  the  facilities  and  appliances 
of  a  first-class  modern  establishment  of  this 
kind.     Employment  is  given  to  twenty-five  men. 

Mr.  Hartmann  is  a  native  of  Germany,  and  as  it 
is  in  the  "  Fatherland  "  that  lager  beer  has  been 
brought  to  its  greatest  perfection,  it  is  not  at  all 
strange  that  he  thoroughly  understands  the  busi- 
ness in  all  its  branches. 


Wm.  H.  Gunderman,  Manufacturer  of  Fine 
Carriages,  Wagons  and  Trucks,  217  and  219 
Middle  Street. — One  of  the  best  known  of  Bridge- 
port's carriage  and  wagon  manufacturers  is  Mr. 
William  II.  Gunderman,  whose  establishment  is 
located  at  Nos.  217  and  219  Middle  street.  The 
business  was  started  fourteen  years  ago,  and  so 
effectual  have  the  good  and  honest  work  turned 
out  and  the  reasonable  prices  charged  for  the 
same  been  in  attracting  patronage,  that  this 
house  now  ranks  with  the  hading  establishments 
of  the  kind  in  the  city. 

A  building  three  stories  in  height  and  of  the 
dimensions  of  00x80  feet  is  utilized  as  a  factory 
and  store  house,  and  from  ten  to  twelve  skilled 
workmen  are  afforded  employment.  Fine  car- 
riages, wagons  and  trucks  are  made,  much  of 
the  work  being  done  to  order  to  suit  the  pecu- 
liarities of  the  service  for  which  the  vehicles  are 
wanted. 

Particular  attention  is  paid  to  repairing,  paint- 
ing ami  trimming,  all  such  orders  being  given 
prompt  and  careful  attention  at  the  veiy  lowe.-t 
rates  allowable  for  good  work.  Like  any  other 
man  who  does  good  work,  Mr.  Gunderman  dis- 
likes to  see  a  good  article  abused,  and  makes  a 
few  suggestions  as  to  how  the  paint  on  carriages, 
etc.,  should  be  treated,  which  are  at  once  so 
sensible,  so  efficacious  and  so  easy  to  follow,  that 
we  cannot  forbear  bringing  them  to  the  notice 
of  our  readers : 

"Don't  expose  to  the  fumes  of  ammonia." 
"  Don't  let  mud  dry  on  it."  "  Don't  scratch  the 
varnish  in  washing."  "Don't  expose  to  sun  or 
rain  when  not  in  use."  "Don't  let  ihe  axle- 
grease  collect  on  the  hubs."  Few  and  simple  as 
these  rules  are,  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  if 
they  be  observed  a  gain  of  100  per  cent,  in  the 
durability  of  the  painted  surface  will  be  obtained 
and  we  hope  that  our  readers  will  practice  them 
and  give  credit  where  it  is  due — to  Mr.  Gunder- 
man. 

E.  J.  Banks,  Meats  and  Groceries,  116  and  118 
East  Main  Street. — There  is  probably  no  firm  in 
this  city  deserving  of  a  more  extended  notice  in 
a  work  of  this  kind  than  the  one  whose  name 
heads  this  article.  This  establishment  datta 
its  organization  in  1872,  when  it  was  started  by 
its  present  proprietor,  Mr.  E.  J.  Banks,  as  a  meat 
market  and  successfully  conducted  as  such  for 
fourteen  years.  During  the  past  few  months 
Mr.  Banks  has  opened  a  new  department  in  his 
house  which  is  devoted  to  the  sale  of  groceries. 

The  premises  utilized  for  the  business  is  locat- 
ed at  116  and  118  East  Main  street  and  consist 
of  a  double  store  40x60  fe<  t  in  dimensions,  which 
is  well  stocked  with  a  large  assortment  of  first- 
class  goods,  all  new  and  fresh,  including  meats 
of  all  kinds  and  the  best  brands  of  staple  and 
fancy  groceries. 

The  extensive  retail  trade  gives  employment  to 
two  clerks  who  are  prompt  and  efficient  in  the 
transaction  of  their  duties.  The  goods  are  sold 
at  the  lowest  market  price  and  are  delivered  free 
of  charge  to  any  part  of  the  city.  The  fact  that 
Mr.  Banks  is  an  enterprising  business  man  is 
well  attested  in  the  able  and  energetic  manage- 
ment of  his  large  and  steadily  increasing  trade. 

He  is  a  native  of  Connecticut  and  a  highly  es- 
teemed citizen  of  Bridgeport. 


78 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Hutchinson,  Pierce  &  Co.,  746  to  750  Broad- 
way, New  York,  Factories  at  Bridgeport  and 
Norwalk,  Conn. — One  of  the  most  celebrated  and 
best  known  manufactories  for  its  particular  line 
of  goods,  is  that  of  Hutchinson,  Pierce  &  Co., 
whose  office  is  at  746  and  750  Broadway,  New 
York,  and  who  have  factories  at  Bridgeport  and 
Norwalk,  Connecticut. 

The  business  was  established  several  years  a?o 
by  Morison  &  Hutchinson,  succeeded  Jan.  1, 
1883,  by  tbe  present  firm.  The  products  of  this 
firm  are  noted  throughout  the  country,  and  con- 
sist of  the  celebrated  Star  shirt,  shirt  waists  and 
underwear.  The  trade  is  very  extensive  and  ex- 
tends throughout  the  entire  United  States. 

The  factory  at  Bridgeport  consists  of  two 
three-story  buildings  and  one  five-story  building 
with  a  capacity  for  500  employes.  The  Individ 
ual  members  of  the  firm  consist  of  Messrs.  G.  S. 
Hutchinson,  H.  B.  Pierce,  Ira  Cole,  and  T.  S. 
Morison,  and  are  all  well  known  gentlemen  in 
business  circles. 

Their  factories  are  finely  equipped  with  all  the 
most  modern  improvements  for  the  successful 
prosecution  of  their  business,  and  their  terms 
will  be  found  as  reasonable  as  is  consistent  with 
the  class  of  goods  manufactured.  We  feel  as 
though  nothing  more  could  be  said  in  their  favor 
as  they  are  too  well  and  favorably  known  to  the 
public  to  need  mention  at,  our  hands.  They  are 
in  a  position  to  fill  all  orders  promptly  and  satis- 
factorily, and  all  dealers  who  have  not  already 
formed  business  relations  with  this  house  will 
find  it  to  their  advantage  to  do  so  at  once,  and 
they  will  greatly  increase  their  sales  by  keeping 
these  celebrated  goods  in  stock. 

Bridgeport  Beef  Company,  Commission  Mer- 
chants in  Swift's  Chicago  Dressed  Beef,  Mutton, 
Lamb,  Veal  and  Pork,  320  Water  Street.— Oc- 
cupying commodious  premises,  eligibly  located 
at  330  Water  street,  on  the  line  of  the  New  York, 
New  Haven  &  Eartford  Railroad,  the  Bridgeport 
Beef  Company  are  conducting  a  large  wholesale 
trade  in  meats  of  all  kinds.     Established  in  1878. 

The  business  was  inaugurated  in  1878,  and  has 
continued  under  the  same  management  until  the 
present,  and  the  trade  developed  has  attained 
most  important  proportions. 

The  company  occupy  a  two-story  slate  build- 
ing, admirably  equipped  with  the  appliances  for 
storage  and  handling  of  merchandise,  and  the 
facilities  for  receipt  and  shipment  are  all  that 
could  be  desired. 

A  large  quantity  of  beef,  lamb,  veal  and  park 
is  handled  by  the  concern  and  is  supplied  to  the 
trade  at  low  figures,  and  the  quality  of  merchan- 
dise is  of  such  excellence  as  to  make  this  a  most 
desirable  source  of  supply. 

The  company  makes  a  specialty  of  Swift's 
famous  Chicago  Dressed  Beef,  and  their  methods 
and  worth  inspire  utmost  confidence  with  their 
trade  at  home  and  correspondents  abroad. 

The  stock  is  always  kept  in  such  quantities, 
varieties  and  condition  as  to  enable  the  house  to 
fill  all  orders  with  dispatch  aud  to  meet  in  the 
most  satisfactory  manner  every  requirement  of 
their  extensive  and  wide-spread  trade. 

Mr.  Josiah  B.  Hallett,  the  head  of  the  com- 
pany, has  entire  charge  of  affairs  and  manages 
the  business  with  consummate  ability  and  tact. 


He  is  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  in  his 
business  career  in  this  city  he  has  ever  been  held 
in  highest  esteem  and  confidence  as  a  successful 
and  responsible  representative  business  man. 

The  National  Clcthing  Co.,  who-e  store  is  at 
429  Main  street,  is  a  branch  ot  one  of  the  largest 
manufacturing  houses  in  this  country;  their  head- 
quarters are  in  Boston,  their  branch  stores  may 
be  found  in  all  the  principal  cities  of  New  Eng- 
land. The  aim  of  this  firm  is  to  manufacture 
exclusively  for  the  retail  trade,  thereby  coming 
iu  contact  with  the  consumers  of  their  goods. 
Knowing  the  wants,  using  every  effort  to  pro- 
duce good,  honest  clothing  by  the  use  of  first- 
class  material,  having  only  experienced  workmen 
and  in  fact  making  a  class  of  goods  that  will 
recommend  themselves,  and  having  such  as  a 
customer  having  once  used,  will  prefer  to  all 
others.  Mr.  A.  H.  Davis  established  this  branch  9 
years  ago,  and  has  won  by  straightforward  busi- 
ness principles  a  host  of  friends  and  customers. 

Mr.  John  M.  Pnndle  and  Mr.  Joseph  Finn,  his 
salesmen,  have  had  a  long  experience  in  the 
clothing  trade  and  have  the  confidence  and  pat- 
ronage of  a  large  circle  of  friends.  All  goods  are 
marked  in  plain  figures  and  guaranteed  to  be 
as  represented. 

Ellis  &  Reilly,  Granite  and  Marble  Works, 
Mountain  Grove  Street,  near  Cemetery. — The 
trade  represented  by  the  above  house  is  second 
to  no  other  of  its  class  which  may  fairly  claim  to 
combine  with  a  manual  handicraft  the  richest 
embellishments  of  art.  The  various  forms  of 
marble  and  granite  carvings,  polishing  and  en- 
graving which  have  in  the  present  day  reached  a 
degree  of  perfection  hitherto  unknown,  had 
their  origin,  rude  and  unpolished  though  it  was 
in  the  remote  prehistoric  era  of  an  incipient  civ- 
ilization. The  perfection  attained  in  this  direc- 
tion may  be  plainly  seen  in  the  work  turned  out 
by  Messrs.  Ellis  &  Reilly,  whose  works  are  locat- 
ed on  Mountain  Grove  street  (near  cemetery) 
where  may  always  be  found  a  large  variety  of 
monuments,  gravestones,  etc.,  which  evince  a 
combination  of  taste  and  skill  rarely  seen  in  do- 
mestic manufactures  of  this  kind. 

Messrs.  Ellis  &  Reilly  manufacture  and  deal 
both  wholesale  and  retail  in  monuments,  head 
stones  and  vaults,  coping  and  all  kinds  of  ceme- 
tery work.  Designs  and  estimates  will  be  given 
in  Westerly,  Niantic,  Quincy  and  all  leading 
granites  and  marble.  Cemetery  lettering  is  also 
promptly  attended  to. 

These  gentleman  began  business  in  1883  and 
have  since  continued  it  with  marked  ability  and 
success.  The  plant  consists  of  a  yard  100x131 
feet  in  dimensions,  with  ample  buildings  and 
facilities  for  the  business,  a  ten  horse -power 
steam  engine  being  employed  in  the  manufacture. 

Ten  skilled  workmen  are  employed  and  kept 
constantly  busy.  Specimens  of  their  work  may 
readily  be  seen  by  a  walk  through  the  cemetery, 
beside  many  orders  from  abroad. 

Mr.  Reilly  is  a  native  of  New  York  and  Mr, 
Ellis  of  Maine.  They  are  both  practical  men 
with  an  experience  of  many  years,  aud  are  noted 
for  their  skill  in  execution  aud  unsurpassed  taste 
in  designing  this  class  of  work,  all  of  which  is 
done  to  order  aud  from  original  designs. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


The  De-Oxidized  Metal  Co.,  W.  W.  Keys, 
Superintendent,  southwest  corner  Railroad  and 
West  Avenues. — This  important  industry  was 
founded  in  July,  1885,  and  in  December  follow- 
ing the  company  was  incorporated  under  its 
present  name.  The  business  has,  from  its  incep- 
tion, been  carried  on  with  marked  ability  and 
tact,  and  the  concern  is  already  established 
among  the  foremost  of  Bridgeport's  important 
manufacturing  enterprises. 

The  valuable  plant  of  the  company  is  eligibly 
located  on  Railroad  ave.,  and  comprises  two  sub- 
stantial brick  buildings,  equipped  with  all  the 
machinery  and  appliances  for  the  purpose  of  the 
company,  and  a  force  of  skilled  workmen  are 
employed  in  the  works,  and  the  facilities  for  the 
production  of  the  manufactures  of  this  concern 
are  all  that  could  be  desired. 

The  output  consists  of  De  Oxidized  metals, 
principally  bronze  and  copper  in  ingots,  wire,  tube 
and  castings,  also  all  grades  of  anti-friction  met- 
als and  genuine  Babbitt  solders  and  white  metals, 
and  in  "their  ability  to  supply  merchandise  of 
more  than  standard  excellence  at  lowest  margins 
above  cost  of  production,  the  company  success- 
fully compete  with  any  house  in  their  line  in 
New  England. 

This  metal  is  used  for  boilers  and  digesters  where 
acid  or  water  impregnated  with  acid  would  de- 
stroy an  iron  boiler.  It  is  the  only  metal  that 
can  be  used  by  pulp  manufacturers  to  convert 
the  wood  into  paper  pulp  by  the  bisulphite 
process.  It  is  also  used  for  boilers  in  mines  where 
they  are  compelled  to  use  sulphurous  water. 

One  prominent  superiority  of  the  De  Oxidized 
bronze  or  copper  over  all  other  metals  is  due  to 
the  fact  that  it  resists  the  action  of  sulphurous 
and  sulphuric  acid,  muriatic  and  acetic  acids. 

Exclusive  rights  to  use  this  metal  have  been 
sold  for  large  amounts.  The  company  reserving 
the  right  to  manufacture  for  the  parties  using  it. 

The  trade  of  the  company  under  sagacious 
management  has  attained  large  proportions  and 
extends  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  and 
the  uniform  promptitude  and  honorable  methods 
of  those  entrusted  with  the  business  inspires  uni- 
versal confidence. 

Mr.  Leonard  H.  Bacon,  of  Hartford,  is  the 
President,  Mr.  O.  C.  Smith  is  the  Secretary  and 
Treasurer,  and  Mr.  W.  W.  Keys  is  the  Superin- 
tendent, and  under  his  direction  the  practical 
details  of  the  work  are  conducted  with  most 
gratifying  results. 

Montignani,  Photo  Artist,  304  Main  Street, 
over  Pequonnock  National  Bank. — If  "  a  thing 
of  beauty  is  a  joy  forever,"  as  we  hear  so  fre- 
quently asserted,  surely  a  faithful  and  artistic 
re-production  of  a  "  thing  of  beauty  "  is  equalty 
entitled  to  that  high  distinction.  If  such  be  the 
case,  then  Mr.  F.  M.  Montignani,  the  celebrated 
photographic  artist,  of  No.  304  Main  street, 
over  the  Pequonnock  National  Bank,  has  been 
the  means  of  furnishing  a  source  of  continual 
joy  to  an  immense  number  of  people  during  the 
fifteen  years  which  he  has  been  established  in 
business  here,  for  as  his  work  is  uniformly  good, 
and  the  faces  of  those  we  love  ever  beautiful  to 
us,  his  portraits  are  "  things  of  beauty"  from  an 
emotional,  as  well  as  from  an  artistic  point  of 
view. 


At  the  above  address  a  most  elegant  suite  ot 
rooms  is  occupied — one  of  the  handsomest  gal- 
leries in  the  State — extending  over  two  floors, 
and  replete  with  all  the  costly  apparatus  and 
magnificent  furnishings  of  a  metropolitan  photo- 
graphic studio. 

Each  floor  is  28x60  feet  in  size.  All  kinds,  sizes 
and  styles  of  portraits  are  made  in  the  best 
manner  known  to  the  art,  and  such  of  our 
readers  as  contemplate  being  photographed  but 
are  undecided  as  to  what  establishment  to  pa- 
tronize may  be  assured  that  they  cannot  possibly 
do  better,  both  as  regards  satisfactory  results  and 
reasonable  prices  than  they  can  here. 

Mr.  Montiguani's  experience  is  great,  and  bis 
taste  unimpeachable.  He  has  had  thirty  years' 
experience  in  Europe  and  this  country,  photo- 
graphed the  Queen  of  England,  Prince  of  Wales, 
Princess  Louise  and  numerous  others — have  the 
references  to  prove  assertions.  It  will  pay  to 
call  and  examine  work. 


H.  M.  Purdy,  Dealer  in  Masons'  Building 
Materials,  400  Water  Street. — The  increase  in 
buildings  in  and  about  Bridgeport  has  made 
great  demand  for  building  materials  and  energetic 
and  enterprising  men  have  entered  'he  field,  fur- 
nishing increased  facilities  for  this  branch  of 
business,  and  prominent  among  those  in  Biidge- 
port  is  Mr.  H.  M.  Purdy,  dealer  in  masons' 
building  materials. 

This  enterprise  was  established  in  1881  by  its 
present  proprietor,  and  is  located  at  400  W  ater 
street,  covering  an  area  of  220x40  feet,  where 
will  be  found  a  large  stock  of  masons'  building 
materials.  His  arrangements  with  the  manu- 
facturers of  and  dealers  in  the  various  brands  of 
cement  and  plaster  enable  him  to  quote  such 
materials  at  the  lowest  price,  he  also  carries  a  full 
line  of  such  building  materials  as  are  in  demand. 
Mr.  Purdy  is  a  heavy  contractor  and  the  extent 
of  his  business  requires  in  the  building  season 
the  employment  of  fifty  very  capable  workmen, 
whose  skill  and  ability  is  evident  in  the  many 
elegant  buildings  and  private  residences  in  and 
about  this  city  which  have  been  erected  by  this 
able  and  reliable  contractor,  among  which  are: 
Block  of  six  brick  houses  on  Park  avenue,  for 
O.  B.  Jennings;  brick  residence  for  Mrs.  Foote 
corner  Broad  street  and  Fairfield  avenue;  the 
Myrtle  avenue  and  the  Oak  street  schools;  Dew- 
hurst  block.  Harriet  street;  Renickes  block,  East 
Main  and  Hamilton  street;  G.  C.Waldo's  resi- 
dence, Golden  Hill  street;  Griffin  &  McElroy's 
packing  house,  the  residences  on  Park  place  of 
H.  F.  Greenman,  F.  S.  Andrew,  T.  L.  Bartholo- 
mew, Mrs.  Julia  Billing,  H.  C.  Clark's  resi- 
dence, Clinton  avenue;  L.  H.  Mill's  residence, 
Fairfield  and  Clinton  avenue;  Wheeler  Beer's 
block  corner  Main  and  East  Washington  avenue, 
and  many  others. 

This  necessarily  brief  sketch  gives  at  least  but  a 
limited  account  of  the  resources  of  this  promi- 
nent contractor,  which  without  exaggeration  are 
equal  at  least  to  those  possessed  by  any  one 
in  Bridgeport  or  vicinity,  and  all  interested  in 
this  line  of  business  will  say  that  he  offers  such 
inducements  as  render  dealing  with  him  profit-' 
able  and  ■satisfactory  to  all  concerned. 


80 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT 


W.  H.  Horr,  Dealer  in  Pianos,  Organs  and 
Sheet  Music,  96  State  Street. — The  music  trade  is 
well  represented  in  this  city.  Among  the  enterpris- 
ing merchants  engaged  in  this  line  is  Mr.  W.  H. 
Horr.  Although  his  business  is  of  but  rectnt  in- 
ception, having  been  established  in  September 
1886,  he  conducts  a  very  promising  and  lucrative 
retail  trade  in  musical  instruments  and  merchan- 
dise of  all  kinds. 

The  premises  where  he  conducts  his  business 
at  present  are  located  at  96  State  street,  60  feet  in 
depth,  with  an  adjoining  room  for  the  sale  of  the 
celebrated  Baker  pianos,  also  organs  of  different 
makes.  Any  musical  instrument  not  offered  for 
sale  in  Bridgeport  can  be  furnished  at  special 
prices.  These  accommodations  being  inade- 
quate for  the  conduct  of  his  steadily  increasing 
business  he  contemplates  moving  very  soon  to 
larger  and  more  commodious  quarters.  The 
musical  instruments  and  merchandise  handled  by 
this  house  comprise  some  of  the  best  to  be  ob- 
tained in  the  country  and  the  citizens  of  Bridge- 
port are  respectfully  solicited  to  call  and  examine 
this  elegant  and  extensive  stock  before  purchas- 
ing elsewhere. 

Mr.  W.  H.  Horr  is  thoroughly  conversant  with 
every  branch  of  the  music  business  and  is  consid- 
ered an  excellent  judge  of  pianos  and  organs. 
He  is  a  very  agreeable  gentleman  to  deal  with 
and  an  expert  musician. 

Ohas.  E.  Hubbell,  Wholesale  Dealer  in  Flour, 
Grain,  Salt,  Hay,  Straw,  etc.,  428  and  432  Water 
Street. — In  this  work,  which  is  designed  to  repre- 
sent the  different  and  diversified  character  of 
Bridgeport's  resources,  it  is  of  course  obvious  that 
the  flour  and  grain  industry  should  occupy  a  very 
important  place.  We  have  elsewhere  discoursed 
on  the  various  houses  engaged  in  this  branch 


of  business  and  we  are  now  about  to  devote  a 
space  to  the  enterprise  of  Mr.  Chas.  E.  Hubbell, 
whose  place  of  business  is  located  at  428  and  432, 
Water  street. 

This  establishment  was  founded  some  time  ago 
but  was  last  under  the  control  of  Frank  O.  Green, 
who  was  succeeded  in  May,  1887,  by  the  present 
proprietor.  The  business  is  conducted  by  him 
in  a  first-class  manner  and  has  of  late  largely 
gained  in  popularity. 

Mr.  Hubbell  is  a  wholesale  dealer  in  feed, 
flour,  grain,  salt,  hay,  straw,  etc.,  making  a 
specialty  of  the  sale  of  Jones'  Superlative  flour  so 
widely  known,  in  which  a  very  extensive  busi- 
ness is  thus  transacted,  which  is  mainly  through- 
out the  State.  Mr.  Hubbell  is  well-known  to  the 
community  having  been  on  the  street  for  the 
past  twenty  years  and  was  a  member  of  the  old 
firm  of  E.  E.  Hubbell  &  Sons,  which  was  found- 
ed in  1848. 

We  will  not  indulge  in  personal  comment  fur- 
ther than  to  remark  that  he  is  possessed  of  a 
complete  knowledge  of  the  business  and  what  is 
required  of  the  trade. 

William  L.  Wolfram,  Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealer  in  Choice  Family  Groceries,  etc.,  corner 
East  Main  and  Maple  Streets,  East  Bridgeport. — 
Largely  engaged  in  this  line  of  trade  we  would 
mention  Mr.  W.  L.  Wolfram,  who  for  the  past 
sixteen  years  has  been  recognized  as  a  prominent 
one  in  promoting  the  commercial  interests  of 
East  Bridgeport. 

This  business  was  established  in  1871  by  Mr. 
Wolfram  and  from  its  inception  gave  promise  of 
vitality,  which  the  succeeding  years  have  only 
rendered  more  apparent,  and  at  the  present  time 
it  leads  the  trade  in  East  Bridgeport  and  is  one 
of  the  largest  in  the  city  proper. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


81 


The  premises  occupied  by  him  for  trade  pur- 
poses comprise  an  elegant  three-story  brick  build- 
ing (erected  for  the  purpose)  75x50  feet  in  dimen- 
sions. This  building  was  erected  under  the  per- 
sonal supervision  of  Mr.  Wolfram,  who  has  in- 
troduced a  great  many  novel  inventions  which 
enable  him  to  transact  the  immense  business 
without  any  confusion,  and  at  the  same  time 
wait  on  all  customers  promptly. 

This  stock  is  without  exception  the  most  com- 
plete in  the  State.  He  carries  an  immense  stock 
of  English,  French,  German  and  Italian  grocer- 
ies, cheese,  Wines,  etc.,  and  is  enabled  to  suit  the 
large  variety  of  tastes  catered  to.  He  does  not 
charge  the  fancy  prices  prevailing  in  stores  of 
this  kind,  but  everything  is  sold  at  most  reasona- 
ble prices. 

It  may  safely  be  asserted  that  in  freshness, 
quality,  and  especial  variety,  the  stock  carried 
here  has  no  superior  in  the  city.  Aside  from  a 
-complete  assortment  of  choice  family  groceries, 
teas,  coffees,  spices,  etc.,  the  stock  embraces  fine 
brands  of  family  liquors  and  cigars.  All  these 
are  offered  to  the  trade  and  consumers  at  guar- 
anteed lowest  prices,  and  are  warranted  to  be 
genuine  and  of  the  best  quality.  Several  assist- 
ants are  required  in  the  orderly  management  of 
the  business,  which  is  both  wholesale  and  retail. 

Mr.  Wolfram  is  a  native  of  Germany,  and  has 
resided  in  this  city  many  years,  where  he  is 
widely  known  and  esteemed. 

A.  Wintter  &  Co.,  Lager  Beer  Brewers;  City 
Brewery,  76  North  Washington  Avenue. — Amer- 
icans have  some  prominent  peculiarities  which 
distinguish  them  as  a  nation  from  any  other  peo- 
ple on  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  one  of  the  most 
pronounced  and  most  universally  recoguized  of 
these  idiosyncrasies  is  a  desire  to  "  get  The  best." 
We  have  been  lectured  time  and  time  again  by 
traveled  persons  on  the  shameful  lack  of  economy 
which  even  the  most  humble  workingman  shows 
in  his  purchase  of  meats,  by  buying  rump  steak 
when  a  few  cents  worth  of  shin  bone  contains 
just  as  much  nutriment,  even  if  it  has  not  so  fine 
a  flavor. 

As  in  food  so  it  is  in  drink,  we  "want  the 
best,"  and  the  result  is,  that  in  the  matter  of 
lager  beer,  for  instance,  as  fine  an  article  is  now 
brewed  in  this  country  as  is  to  be  found  in  the 
world.  This  statement  is  made  on  the  authority 
of  our  German  fellow-citizens,  who  certainly 
ought  to  know,  and  to  whose  knowledge  and 
skill  this  fact  is  mostly  due. 

Among  the  many  brewing  establishments  in 
the  Eastern  States  the  "  City  Brewery,"  No.  76 
North  Washington  avenue  holds  a  most  euviable 
position  for  the  excellence  of  its  product  and  the 
magnitude  "of  its  business. 

This  establishment  was  founded  in  1856,  by 
Mr.  John  Benz,  who  was  succeeded  in  1876  by 
Mr.  A.  Wintter,  who  became  associated,  in  1882, 
with  Messrs.  J.  McMahon  and  P.  Wren,  under 
the  firm  name  A.  Wintter  &  Co.  Mr.  Wintter 
was  formerly  connected  with  the  city  council, 
and  Mr.  Wren,  who  was  previously  a  member  of 
the  same  body,  and  also  of  the  Legislature,  is 
now  president  of  the  board  of  public  works.  The 
brewing  operations  are  carried  on  in  four  build- 
ings, a  thirty  horse-power  steam  engine  being 
utilized. 


The  output  of  the  concern  last  year  was  16,000 
barrels,  and  the  indications  are  that  that  large 
figure  will  be  greatly  surpassed  the  present 
year. 

Burns,  Silver  &  Co.,  Manufacturers  of  Cabi- 
net Hardware,  Railway  specialties,  etc. ;  Factory, 
131  Railroad  Avenue. — As  supplementing  some 
of  the  leading  industries  of  the  country  in  pro- 
ducing cabinet  hardware  and  railway  specialties, 
this  well  known  company  has  for  nearly  two 
years  occupied  a  prominent  position  among 
the  manufacturing  interests  of  Bridgeport. 

The  company  was  incorporated  in  November, 
1885,  and  have  from  that  date,  on  a  scale  of 
large  proportions,  successfully  conducted  a 
driving  business. 

Messrs.  Burns,  Silver  &  Co. 's  works  on  Rail- 
road Avenue,  are  very  thoroughly  equipped  with 
valuable,  improved  machinery  operated  by  steam. 
The  factory  building  is  three  stories  in  height, 
and  35x70  feet  in  dimensions.  An  addition  40x 
100  is  now  being  erected  to  accommodate  their 
rapidly  increasing  trade,  and  a  force  of  seventy- 
five  skilled  workmen  are  at  present  employed  in 
the  several  departments  of  the  business. 

The  output  comprises  the  best  qualities  and  a 
large  varkty  of  specialties  in  cabinet  hardware 
and  railroad  supplies,  of  standard  excellence, 
which  are  supplied  to  jobbers  at  smallest  possible 
advance  on  cost  of  production.  The  New  York 
office  is  at  No.  13  Barclay  street. 

The  officers  of  the  company  are  as  follows: 
President,  S.  A.  Burns;  vice-president  and  sec- 
retary, John  S.  Silver;  treasurer,  C.  A.  Cook, 
and  in  their  hands  the  important  interests  of  the 
company  are  well  and  faithfully  subserved. 

H.  H.  Robinson,  Furniture  Moving,  Truck- 
ing; also,  Livery  and  Boarding  Stables,  21  Elm 
Street. — A  well  equipped  and  popular  establish- 
ment is  that  conducted  by  Mr.  H.  H.  Robinson, 
at  No.  21  Elm  street,  as  a  livery,  sale  and  board- 
ing stable.  It  was  founded  some  two  years  ago 
by  Mr.  W.  R.  Lewis,  having  been  in  the  hands 
of  its  present  proprietor  about  a  year.  A  two- 
story  brick  building  is  occupied,  having  accom- 
modations for  twenty  horses,  and  a  brisk  and 
increasing  business  is  done.  Horses  and  car- 
riages will  be  promptly  furnished  for  all  occa- 
sions at  reasonable  rates,  neat  and  stylish  tf  ams 
only  being  supplied.  A  specialty  is  made  of  the 
removal  of  furniture  and  general  trucking,  and 
as  all  the  facilities  for  such  work  are  at  hand 
and  only  skillful  and  experienced  men  employed 
satisfaction  is  confidently  guaranteed. 

The  most  costly  and  delicate  furniture  may  be 
entrusted  to  Mr.  Robinson,  with  a  surety  that 
it  will  be  carefully  and  properly  handled,  and 
that  no  accidents  will  happen  during  its  trans- 
portation that  can  be  avoided  by  skill  and  long- 
experience. 

The  lowest  prices  are  charged  for  this  service, 
and  many  orders  are  executed.  Trucking  work 
of  all  kinds  will  be  faithfully  and  promptly  done, 
and  every  effort  made  to  please  customers.  For 
the  convenience  of  parties  wishing  to  store  their 
property,  Mr.  Robinson  has  a  commodious  store- 
house where  he  will  let  space  at  very  reasonable 
rates.  The  building  is  of  brick,  with  ele- 
vator. 


82 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


A.  H.  Taylor,  Manager  Loomis'  Temple  of 
Music,  16  Fairfield  Avenue. — The  Bridgeport 
branch  of  the  well-known  "Loomis'  Temple  of 
Music" — so  ably  managed  by  Mr.  A.  H.  Taylor 
who  has  had  charge  for  the  past  four  years,  is 
located  at  No.  16  Fairfield  avenue.  The  busi- 
ness has  grown  to  enormous  proportions  and  is 
still  on  the  increase,  and  extends  throughout  this 
section.  The  store  is  a  commodious  structure 
and  an  additional  room  of  the  same  size  affords 
storage  for  the  immense  stock  of  pianos  of  leading 
makers  and  for  general  purposes  of  trade.  The 
appearance  of  the  interior  of  the  store  is  sugges- 
tive of  that  efficient  careful  supervision  which 
pervades  the  entire  management  of  this  vast  con- 
cern. The  music  room  located  in  the  rear  con- 
tains a  large  number  of  piano?  and  organs,  among 
which  may  be  found  Chickering  &  Sons,  Malhu- 
shek,  Steck  &  Company,  Hallet  &  Davis,  New 
England,  C.  fl.  Stone  &  Company  pianos,  Wil- 
cox &  White,  New  England,  and  Smith  Ameri- 
can organs. 

The  C.  M.  Loomis  Company,  under  the  manage- 
ment of  A.  H.  Taylor,  are  the  sole  agents  for 
these  celebrated  instruments;  several  experienced 
salesmen  are  employed  in  this  store,  and  every 
thing  denotes  the  energy  and  ability  shown  by 
Mr.  Taylor  in  conducting  this  enterprise.  We 
commend  this  house  to  our  many  readers  at 
home  and  abroad  as  a  thoroughly  reliable  one  with 
which  to  deal.  A  full  stock  of  all  kinds  of  musi- 
cal instruments,violins,banjos,  accordions, guitars, 
strings,  etc.,  etc.,  and  sheet  music,  including  the 
latest  publications  will  always  be  found  at  this  es- 
tablishment, and  Mr.  Taylor  is  always  prepared 
for  any  demands  made  upon  him.  No  business 
firm  in  the  State  is  more  reliable  than  this,  and 
from  the  grand  success  it  has  achieved  in  the 
past  and  the  present  rate  of  increase  in  business,  it 
is  difficult  to  estimate  the  future  possibilities  which 
await  the  progress  of  this    enterprising   house. 


The  pianos  and  organs  dealt  in  by  this  firm  have 
a  world  wide  reputation  and  the  aggregate  sales 
in  the  course  of  a  year  reach  a  very  large  figure. 
Mr.  Taylor  is  a  native  of  Salem,  Mass.,  and 
his  thorough  knowledge  of  musical  instruments 
is  of  great  service  to  all  desiring  to  purchase  or 
rent  a  piano  or  organ. 

Hubbell  &  Curtis,  Dealers  in  Furniture  of  all 
Descriptions,  385  Main  Street,  Citizens'  Building. 
— The  oldest  established  and  also  one  of  the  most 
widely  and  favorably  known  furniture  establish- 
ment in  Bridgeport,  is  that  conducted  by  Messrs. 
Hubbell  &  Curtis,  at  No.  385  Main  street,  Citi- 
zens' building.  This  enterprise  was  started  forty 
years  ago,  and  has  steadily  grown  in  popular 
favor  and  patronage.  Three  floors  are  occupied 
each  100x80  feet  in  dimensions  and  an  enormous 
stock  of  furniture  of  all  descriptions  is  constantly 
on  baud.  Both  a  wholesale  and  retail  business  is 
done,  and  all  goods  are  offered  at  the  very  low- 
est price,  consistent  with  good  and  honest  work- 
manship. The  firm  consists  of  Messrs.  F.  Hub- 
bell and  C.  Curtis,  both  these  gentlemen  being 
universally  known  and  very  highly  respected 
citizens.  Mr.  Curtis  is  a  director  of  the  Bridge- 
port National  bank.  The  goods  handled  by  this 
firm  are  as  varied  as  they  are  reliable,  and  it 
should  be  mentioned  that  Undertaking  in  all  its 
branches  is  done,  this  department  being  on  Can- 
non street,  second  door  from  Main.  This 
house  is  one  of  Bridgeport's  representative  in- 
stitutions, and  is  a  splendid  example  of  what 
may  be  accomplished  by  energy  and  integrity. 

J.  M.  F.  Peterson  &  Co.,  Painters  and  Deco- 
rators, Interior  Decorations  in  Fresco  and  Wall 
Papers,  270  Main  street,  corner  Union,  opposite 
Recreation  Hall. — One  of  the  most  enterprising 
and  successful  houses  engaged  in  business  as 
painters  and  decorators  in   this   city   is  that  of 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Messrs.  J.  M.  F.  Peterson  &  Company,  located 
at  No.  270  Main  street,  corner  of  Union.  It 
was  established  here  four  years  ago  but  Mr. 
Peterson  had  been  in  business  since  1862  and  had 
had  seven  years  experience  before  then.  As  the 
excellence  of  work  became  quickly  known  he 
soon  built  up  a  very  large  and  increasing  busi- 
ness. Two  rooms  are  occupied  for  an  office  and 
show  parlors,  the  paint  and  work  shop  being  op 
posite.  From  fifteen  to  twenty  hands  are  em- 
ployed, and  the  very  finest  and  most  artistic 
work  is  done.  A  very  extensive  and  varied 
stock  of  wall  papers  and  other  decorative  ar- 
ticles is  carried,  and  orders  for  paper  hanging 
will  be  executed  with  the  highest  skill  and  the 
greatest  despatch. 

Interior  decorations  in  fresco  form  an  im- 
portant department  of  the  firm's  business,  and 
great  skill  and  taste  is  displayed  in  the  filling  of 
orders  in  this  line.  Designs  and  estimates  of 
any  work  desired  will  be  furnished  on  applica- 
tion to  all  parts  of  the  country,  and  perfect  satis- 
faction is  guaranteed  to  all  customers,  both  as 
regards  design  and  execution.  The  office  has 
telephone  connections  and  all  orders  so  received 
will  be  given  prompt  attention.  Mr.  Peterson  is 
a,  native  of  Sweden  and  has  had  a  large  and  ex- 
ceptional experience  in  the  business  he  pursues 
both  in  that  country  and  the  United  States.  His 
taste  is  unimpeachable  and  his  charges  moderate. 

W.  B.  Bostwick  &  Co.,  Manufacturers  of  But- 
tons.— When  one,  either  in  the  line  of  business 
or  otherwise,  has  occasion  to  investigate  to 
^some  degree  the  button  manufactories  of  the 
country  he  is  tempted  to  put  beside  the  famous 
-conundrum  "What  becomesofall  the  pins?'"  an- 
other one — "What  becomes  of  all  the  buttons'?" 
Pins  are  at  the  best  but  a  makeshift  and  are  chief- 
ly used  as  temporary  substitutes  for  buttons,  so 
that  logically  there  should  be  more  buttons  used 
than  pins,  and  there  can  be  but  little  doubt  but 
what  there  are.  A  single  concern  in  Bridgeport, 
making  a  specialty  of  vegetable  ivory  and  wood- 
en buttons,  turns  out  from  330  to  500  gross  per 
day,  and  of  course  this  house  is  but  one  of  many 
of  varying  extent    • 

W.  B.  Bostwick  &  Co.,  the  concern  referred 
to  above,  occupy  a  factory  containing  two  floors, 
each  40x100  feet  and  employ  seventy-rive  hands. 

This  enterprise  was  original^  established  in 
1866  and  in  1884  come  under  the  control  of  Mr. 
W.  B.  Bostwick,  being  ihen  located  in  New 
Milford.  In  1885  the  present  firm  was  formed 
Mr.  D.  B.  Seward  being  taken  into  partnership, 
and  the  business  was  removed  to  this  city. 

Both  partners  are  natives  of  New  Milford,  Con- 
necticut, and  are  keen,  energetic  business  men. 
The  goods  manufactured  are  recognized  as  stand- 
ards in  the  trade  and  the  rapid  growth  of  the 
business  indicates  a  bright  future  for  this  repre- 
sentative house. 

J.  B.  Barnaby  &  Co.,  Bridgeport  Branch,  438 
Main  Street. — If  there  is  one  business  in  this 
country  that  is  in  the  hands  of  men  of  consummate 
ability  who  do  not  hesitate  to  spend  their  money 
like  water  to  advance  their  interest,  it  is  that  of 
ready-made  clothing.  The  most  magnificent 
stores  on  the  principal  thoroughfares  are  almost 
monopolized  by  this  branch  of  trade  and  so  keen 


is  the  competition  nowadays  that  the  profit  on  the 
average  suit  of  clothes  is  so  small  that  only  an 
enormous  trade  will  pay  at  all.  There  are  cer- 
tain houses  in  the  clothing  line  that  are  generally 
acknowledged  (publicly  by  friends  and  privately 
by  enemies  and  competitors)  to  be  by  long  odds 
the  leaders,  both  as  regards  the  character  and  the 
volume  of  the  business  they  do  and  foremost  among 
these  stands  the  firm  of  J.  B.  Barnaby  &  Co.  As 
the  branch  of  this  mammoth  establishment  in  this 
city  was  only  opeued  during  the  current  year  our 
readers  have  not  as  yet  probably  become  familiar 
with  the  many  advantages  gained  by  purchasing 
clothing  here,  but  such  of  them  as  have  friends 
in  Providence,  R.  I.,  where  the  main»Jiou.se  is, 
or  in  Boston,  Mass  ,  where  a  huge  branch  has 
gained  the  most  brilliant  success,  despite  the 
most  severe  and  carefully  organized  opposition 
with  which  it  has  had  to  contend,  can  easily  find 
out  tke  esteem  in  which  this  enterprise  is  held 
by  those  best  acquainted  with  it. 

The  Bridgeport  house  is  located  at  No.  438 
Main  street  and  is  under  the  able  management 
of  Mr.  A.  O.  Norton  and  has  for  assistant  super- 
intendent Mr.  Chas.  W.  Hull. 

The  store  is  105x35  feet  in  dimensions  and  con- 
tains an  enormous  stock  of  fashionably  cut  cloth- 
ing, which  is  offered  at  bottom  prices.  "Once 
a  customer  always  a  customer"  has  been  the  ex- 
perience of  this  house  in  other  cities  and  we  see 
no  reason  to  doubt  that  the  result  will  be  the 
same  here. 


Bommos  &  Biltz,  Retail  Dealers  in  Meats  of 
all  kinds,  a'so  Vegetables,  Butter,  Eggs,  etc., 
etc.,  Market  33  State  Street. — One  of  the  most 
largely  patronized  markets  in  this  city  is  that 
conducted  by  Messrs.  Bommos  &  Biltz,  at  No. 
33  State  street.  It  was  established  ten  years  ago, 
and  has  steadily  gained  in  popular  favor  until  it 
has  attained  its  present  extensive  trade.  A  fine 
retail  business  is  done  in  meats  of  all  kinds,  but- 
ter, cheese  and  eggs,  etc. 

The  store  occupied  is  24x80  feet  in  dimensions, 
and  in  the  rear  is  carried  on  a  shop  in  which  the 
rendering  of  lard  and  the  manufacture  of  sau- 
sages, etc.,  is  conducted. 

Employment  is  afforded  to  six  hands,  and  all 
customers  are  assured  prompt  and  courteous  at- 
tention. The  stock  carried  is  very  large  and  a 
sufficient  variety  is  offered  to  satisfy  all  tastes. 
As  some  of  the  goods  for  sale,  such  as  lard,  sau- 
sages, etc.,  are  manufactured  under  the  personal 
supervision  of  the  firm,  they  can  confidently 
warrant  their  purity  and  entire  freedom  from 
noxious  or  improper  materials,  and  this  fact,  no 
doubt,  explains  to  a  great  degree  the  very  large 
business  which  this  house  does  in  these  articles. 
Fresh  vegetables  of  all  kinds,  in  their  season,  are 
on  hand,  and  pure  creamery  butter  and  fresh 
country  eggs  are  also  dealt  in. 

The  firm  consists  of  Messrs.  F.  C.  Bommos, 
Jr.,  and  C.  M.  Biltz,  both  these  gentlemen  being 
well  known  citizens  and  universally  respected. 

Mr.  Charles  M.  Biltz  was  born  in  the  year  1852 
at  Weisbaden,  Germany.  F.  C.  Bommos,  Jr., 
was  born  in  Lynchburg,  Va. ,  in  the  year  of  1856 ; 
elected  to  the  Common  Council  on  the  Republi- 
can ticket  in  the  spring  of  '87  from  the  second 
ward. 


84 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


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piiiiiiiiiihiiifiippsmjjiiisHiHniisiiisiis!!; 


The  New  Howe  Manufacturing  Co.,  .lolin 
P.  Kennedy,  President;  E.  Parmly,  Secretary 
and  Treasurer. — Under  auspices  the  most  favor- 
able, the  New  Howe  Manufacturing  Company 
have  lately  begun  the  manufacture  of  sewing 
machines  in  Bridgeport,  as  successors  to  The 
Howe  Machine  Co.,  and  the  future  of  the  con- 
cern gives  promise  of  great  usefulness. 

The  company  was  organized  and  incorporated 
in  November,  1886,  and  have  inaugurated  their 
important  work  on  a  scale  of  large  proportions, 
with  abundant  resources  and  every  facility  for 
their  purposes.  The  new  company  are  the  sole 
proprietors  of  valuable  patented  improvements, 
which  bring  the  old  Howe  sewing  machines  to 
the  highest  point  of  perfection,  and  as  now  per- 
fected these  always  popular  machines  are  rapidly 
taking  the  lead  in  public  favor. 

The  factories  of  The  New  Howe  Manufacturing 
Company  comprise  two  immense  blocks  of  brick 
buildings,  four  stories  in  height,  formerly  occu- 
pied by  The  Howe  Machine  Company,  which 
have  been  greatly  improved  in  their  equipment, 
and  every  facility  for  successful  operations  is 
possessed  by  the  new  concern. 

This  company  also  manufactures  grey  iron 
castings  of  light  and  medium  weight. 

The  president  of  the  company  is  Mr.  John  P. 
Kennedy,  and  Mr.  E.  Parmly  is  the  efficient 
secretary  and  treasurer.  They  are  men  of 
exceptional  business  ability  and  energy,  and  the 
success  of  the  enterprise  seems  abundantly 
assured. 

James  E.  Hair,  Pharmacist,  42  Railroad 
Avenue,  near  Main  Street. — The  profession  of 
the  druggist  is  one  that  deserves  the  most  appre- 
ciative consideration  from  the  residents  of  the. 
community  in  which  it  is  located,  as  in  no  other 


[  line  of  trade  can  the  knowledge  and  aid  of  the 
proprietor  be  called  upon  in   time  of  need   to 
alleviate  the  ills  and    suffering  of  the   human 
ibody;  and  prominent  among  these  public  bene- 
factors of  Bridgeport  is  the  well-known    estab- 
J  lishment    of    James  E.   Hair,   which  was    first 
|  started  in  1881,  and  although  established  in  busi- 
I  ness  but  a  comparatively  short   time,  Dr.  Hair 
has    had  eleven  years  of    experience  in   phar- 
macy. 

The  premises  occupied  by  him  for  the  trans- 
action of  business  are  located  at  42  Railroad 
avenue,  where  is  displayed  a  fine  and  complete 
stock  of  drugs,  medicines,  etc.  The  store,  which 
is  of  medium  size,  is  nicely  appointed,  and  fur- 
nished with  a  soda  fountain,  show  cases,  etc., 
and  a  fine  assortment  of  toilet  articles  usually 
dealt  in  by  all  druggists. 

Dr.  Hair  is  a  thorough  chemist,  and  the  ut- 
most care  and  attention  is  paid  to  the  compound- 
ing of  physicians'  prescriptions,  and  the  public 
are  assured  that  none  but  the  purest  of  drugs 
and  medicines  are  used  in  the  preparation  of  the 
same. 

James  E.  Hair  is  a  native  of  England,  and  his 
success  is  justly  merited.  We  can  assure  all 
customers  that  they  will  meet  with  prompt  and 
gentlemanly  attention. 

In  addition  to  his  large  trade  in  drugs  and 
patent  medicines,  he  is  the  proprietor  of  several 
well  known  preparations,  among  which  Hair's 
Syrup  of  Tar,  Wild  Cherry  and  Horehound  has 
already  enjoyed  a  large  sale. 

Dr.  Hair  is  an  able  veterinary  surgeon,  making 
canine  diseases  a  specialty,  and  his  thorough 
knowledge  of  medicine  is  of  great  assistance  in 
his  practice.  His  dog  medicines,  which  are  the 
practical  results  of  over  forty  years'  experience 
with  all  kinds  of  dogs,  embrace  Distemper  pow- 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT.. 


s:, 


ders,  500;  Alterative  powders,  50^;  Mange  cure, 
350  and  750  per  bottle;  Worm  powders,  500; 
Canker  wash,  500;  Tonic  pills,  500;  Keunel  soap 
250.     All  diseases  of  the  dog  treated. 

The  above  medicims,  put  up  in  powder  form, 
can  be  sent  to  any  part  of  the  United  States  on 
receipt  of  price.  Consultation  by  mail  a  spe- 
cialty. His  custom  extends  all  over  the  United 
States,  and  dogs  have  been  sent  long  distances 
lor  treatment.  The  medicines  have  been  used  in 
England  since  1829.  They  can  also  be  obtained 
through  any  druggist. 

John  S.  Atkinson,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Deal 
er  in  Harness,  Blankets,  Trunks,  Bags,  Sole 
Leather  and  Shoe  Findings,  Boot  and  Shoe  Up- 
pers, corner  of  Fairfield  Avenue  and  Middle 
Street. — Omitting  nothing  that  contributes  to  a 
disclosure  of  the  industries  and  advantages  of 
Bridgeport  we  make  mention  in  our  volume  of 
the  advantages  offered  to  the  public  in  the  well 


ordered  and  well  conducted  harness  shop  of  Mr. 
John  S.  Atkinson  that  has  during  the  past  sixty 
odd  years  supplied  not  only  the  trade  of  Bridge- 
port, but  the  surrounding  country  with  a  com- 
plete assortment  of  harness,  horse  clothing, 
trunks,  bags  and  every  article  made  or  carried 
in  a  first  class  shop,  all  of  which  are  sold  to  the 
trade  at  producing  prices.  "^. 

This  business  was  established  in  1824  by  Han- 
ford  Lyon,  succeeded  in  turn  by  Lyon,  Harrall 
&  Co.,  Harrall,  Calhoun  &  Co.,  Calhoun, 
Lacey  &  Co.,  Lacey,  Meeker  &  Co., 
Meeker  &  Shelton,  Shelton  &  Lyon,  and 
came  under  the  present  management  eight  years 
ago. 

The  premises  occupied  are  located  at  the  cor- 
ner of  Fairfield  avenue  and  Middle  street  and 
consist  of  two  floors  24x50  feet  in  area  finely 
equipped.  Employment  is  given  to  a  large  force 
of  skilled  hands.  The  trade  is  both  wholesale 
and  retail  and  is  very  extensive.  The  goods 
manufactured  and  kept  in  stock  consist  of  har- 
ness, blankets,  trunks,  bags,  sole  leather  and  shoe 
findings,  boot  and  shoe  uppers,  etc.  No  house  in 
this  business  in  Bridgeport  possesses  finer  facili- 
ties for  producing  first-class  work  at  reasonable 
prices  than  the  establishment  of  Mr.  Atkinson, 
who  is  a  native  of  this  city  and  a  highly  esteemi  d 
citizen. 

In  conclusion  we  may  remark  that  the  reputa- 
tion of  the  house  for  liberality  and  enterprise  is 
not  excelled  by  any  contemporary  concern,  while 
the  superior  character  of  its  products  makes  it 
one  of  the  most  desirable  houses  in  the  trade 
with  which  to  establish  pleasant  and  profitable 
relations. 


Seeley's  Stables,  448  Broad  Street,  next  to  St. 
John's  Hall,  also  Office  of  Bridgeport  Cab 
Co. — Seeley  &  Co.,  proprietors.  A  liberal- 
ly conducted  and  hence  highly  popular 
Bridgeport  establishment  is  that  under  the  con- 
trol of  Seeley  &  Co.,  located  at  No.  448  Broad 
street,  next  door  to  St.  John's  Hall.  The  excel- 
lent livery  stables  which  this  firm  carry  on  were 
established  ten  years  ago  by  Mr.  Jno.  Jones  wbo 
was  succeeded  by  the  present  propiietor  four 
years  ago.  Two  floors  are  occupied,  their  size 
being  50x100  feet,  giving  a  capacity  for  forty 
horses  and  about  an  equal  number  of  vehicles 
Light  livery,  hacks  and  landaus  are  to  let  at  all 
times  and  new  and  elegant  coaches  furnished  for 
public  occasions  such  as  funerals,  weddings,  re- 
ceptions, or  calls,  when  desired,  at  popular  rates. 

The  firm  consists  of  Messrs.  S.  M.  Seeley  and 
L.  M.  Seeley,  both  these  gentlemen  being  natives 
of  this  State.  They  take  genuine  pride  in  keep- 
ing up  to  the  high  standard  they  early  establish- 
ed for  themselves  in  the  matter  of  furnishing  fine 
appearing  teams  to  the  public.  They  also  eon- 
duct  the  popular  Bridgeport  Cab  Co.  In  sup- 
plying the  cheapest  and  best  method  of  convey- 
ance to  points  in  and  about  the  city,  the  compa- 
ny have  accomplished  a  beneficent  work,  and  the 
appreciation  of  the  public  has  been  abundantly 
manifested  in  the  large  and  steadily  growing 
patronage  of  the  concern. 

To  accommodate  the  trade  of  the  company,  a 
large  number  of  stylish  cabs  and  light  carriages 
are  constantly  at  hand  for  weddings,  funerals, 
shopping,  calling  or  for  conveyance  to  the  depot 
or  boat.  A  force  of  competent  drivers  are  em- 
ployed who  are  selected  with  special  reference 
to  their  sobriety,  honesty,  careful  driving  and 
courtesy  to  passengers. 

Mills'  Pavilion,  Main  Street,  Opposite  Seaside 
Park. — There  are  few  people  who  do  not  delight 
in  a  first  class  clam-bake,  when  properly  cooked 
and  served,  and  in  this  connection  we  would 
call  the  attention  of  our  out-of  town  readers  to 
the  enterprise  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wm.  H,  Mills, 
proprietors  of  the  celebrated  Mills'  pavilion,  lo- 
cated on  Main  street,  near  Seaside  Park.  No 
one  engaged  in  this  business  more  thoroughly 
understands  the  wants  of  the  public  than  the 
proprietors  of  this  place,  who  bend  every  energy 
to  give  satisfaction  to  all. 

They  established  this  business  in  1884,  and 
have  each  season  since  catered  to  the  public  in  a 
satisfactory  manner,    and  at  reasonable  prices. 

The  pavilion  consists  of  one  story,  80x100  feet 
in  dimensions,  admirably  arranged  for  the  com- 
fort of  the  guests.  Polite  and  attentive  assist- 
ants are  in  attendance,  and  are  courteous  in 
their  treatment  of  all.  A  specialty  is  made  of 
preparing  clam  bakes  for  picnic  and  other  parties, 
and  the  terms  will  be  found  very  reasonable."" 

Mr.  Mills  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport,  and  is  a 
gentleman  of  energy  and  ability,  thoroughly 
experienced  in  all  the  details  of  the  business  he 
has  in  charge. 

We  advise  all  visitors  to  this  city  during  the 
summer  months  not  to  forget  Mills'  pavilion,  as 
they  will  do  themselves  a  favor  by  giving  this 
popular  resort  a  trial. 

A  fine  band  stand  is  erected  in  the  center  of 
the  pavi  ion.  and  the  floor  is  fine  for  dancing. 


Sli 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


■dKcjin.u.K.S' 


Edwin  Edwards  &  Son,  Atlantic  and  Fair- 
field Avenue  Stables,  533  Water  Street,  opposite 
Depot,  and  102  and  104  Fairfield  Avenue. — As 
proprietors  of  the  Atlantic  and  the  Fairfield  ave- 
nue stables,  the  two  leading  livery  establishments 
in  Bridgeport,  the  well  known  firm  of  Edwin 
Edwards  &  Son  have  for  years  been  successfully- 
engaged  in  business  in  this  city.  The  enterprise 
was  inaugurated  by  the  senior  member  of  the 
firm  over  twenty  years  ago,  and  from  the  first 
the  business  has  been  conducted  with  that  re- 
gard for  the  wants  and  interests  of  patrons,  that 
the  patronage  of  the  establishment  has  steadily 
increased,  and  the  reputation  of  the  old  house 
for  square  dealing  and  reliability  has  alwajrs 
been  maintained. 

The  Atlantic  Stable  is  located  at  No.  533 
Water  street,  near  the  Atlantic  Hotel,  and  the 
other  is  situated  on  Fairfield  avenue,  Nos.  102 
and  104,  on  that  beautiful  thoroughfare.  The 
stables  are  models  of  convenience  and  complete- 
ness in  their  appointments  and  arrangements, 
with  excellent  accommodations  for  over  one 
hundred  head  of  horses. 

A  large  number  of  stylish  and  serviceable 
horses  and  elegant  cabs,  hacks,  carriages  and 
other  vehicles  are  kept  for  livery  purposes,  and 
nobby  teams  with  careful  drivers  are  provided 
for  business  or  pleasure  purposes  at  short  notice 
and  most  reasonable  terms.  Special  rates  for 
funerals,  weddings  and  excursion  parties  are 
made,  and  orders  by  telephone  have  prompt  at- 
tention day  or  night.  Horses  placed  to  board 
have  best  of  care  and  attention. 

The  Messrs.  Edwards  (Edwin  and  L.  E.)  are 
both  natives  of  Connecticut,  and  are  live,  re- 
sponsible business  men  and  influential  citizens. 

A.  L.  Winton,  Dealer  in  Flour,  Feed,  and 
Grain,  also  Berkshire  Store  and  Coal  Co.,  Coal, 
Wood  and  Groceries,  Berkshire  Mills,  head  North 
Washington  Avenue,  Depot  Winton's  Block, 
216  and  218  Middle  Street,  adjoining  5's  Engine 
House,  A.  L  Winton,  Proprietor. — An  old  es- 
tablished and  very  widely  known  Bridgeport 
business  enterprise  is  that  so  ably  conducted  by 
Mr.  A.  L.  Winton  at  Berkshire  mills,  and  Nos. 
216  and  21 8  Middle  street.  It  was  founded  22 
years  ago  and  proved  a  decided  success  from  the 
start  under  the  skilful  guidance  of  the  proprietor 
who  is  the  oldest  in  this  business.  At  the  Berk 
shire  mills,  three  floors  are  occupied  60x80  feet 
in  dimensions,  and  a  very  heavy  stock  is  carried  of 
wheat,  rye  and  graham  flour,  meal,  feed,  grain, 
grass  seed,  hay,  straw,  fertilizers,  axle  grease, 
coal,  etc.  Mr.  Winton  has  one  decided  advan- 
tage over  most  other  dealers  in  flour,  etc. ,  in  this 
city,  as  being  the  proprietor  of  the  well  known 


Berkshire  mills  which  are  thoroughly  equipped 
with  appliances  for  the  grinding  of  flour,  grist, 
etc. ;  he  is  in  a  position  to  know  thoroughly  the 
character  of  the  goods  he  sells  and  to  confidently 
warrant  their  purity  and  general  desirability. 
Also  sells  the  highest  grades  of  Western  patent 
flours.  Both  a  wholesale  and  retail  business  is 
done  in  coal  and  grain.  A  number  of  men  are 
at  hand  to  give  all  orders  prompt  attention.  The 
fertilizers  on  sale  are  such  as  have  proved  their 
value  in  actual  practical  use  and  will  be  found 
free  from  adulteration  and  first-class  in  every  re- 
spect. Mr.  Winton  was  born  in  Fairfield  county 
and  is  a  representative  and  highly  esteemed 
citizen  who  is  widely  known  throughout  the 
city. 

Bridgeport  is  his  native  place,  but  he  went 
early  in  life  to  the  town  of  Weston,  from  whence 
at  about  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  went  into  the 
business  world  for  himself.  He  is  prominent 
among  those  who  have  earned  their  own  fortunes. 
His  rule  through  life  has  been  to  pursue  an  up- 
right course,  and  he  has  thus  been  enabled  to 
triumph  over  all  difficulties. 

In  connection  with  the  mill,  a  country  store  is 
maintained  from  which  near  residents  may  supply 
themselves  with  all  needed  articles  for  their 
families  without  making  a  journey  to  the  city 
center.  Near  the  mill  a  large  coal  yard  is  con- 
ducted, and  from  it  is  dispensed  from  3,000  to 
5,000  tons  of  coal  each  year,  and  a  pretty  respect- 
able business  is  done  in  cord  and  kindling  wood. 
The  mill  is  a  sort  of  centre  of  exchange,  farmers 
bringiug  wood  and  other  products  and  taking  pay 
in  coal.  A  visit  to  the  mill  at  any  hour  of  the 
day  proves  conclusively  how  important  it  is  to 
the  people  as  a  center  of  accommodation. 


Linehan  Bros..  Dealers  in  Fancy  and  Staple 
Groceries;  also,  Foreign  and  Domestic  Liquors, 
Corner  Myrtle  Avenue  and  Austin  Street. — 
Among  the  establishments  in  Bridgeport  that 
deserve  favorable  mention  is  that  of  Linehan 
Bros.,  located  corner  of  Myrtle  avenue  and  Aus- 
tin street. 

The  business  was  started  in  1883  by  the  pres- 
ent firm,  and  being  gentlemen  of  wide  experi- 
ence, their  ability  and  enterprise  have  gained  for 
them  a  constantly  increasing  patronage. 

The  premises  occupied  comprise  a  commodi- 
ous store,  consisting  of  a  double  store,  floor  50x 
50  feet  in  dimensions,  and  basement,  appropri- 
ately fitted  up  with  every  facility.  A  fine  and 
complete  stock  is  carried,  embracing  everything 
essential  to  the  grocery  trade;  also,  foreign  and 
domestic  liquors. 

Messrs.  Linehan  Bros,  are  prepared  to  offer 
their  patrons  the  very  best  the  market  affords,  at 
low  prices,  and  as  goods  are  received  direct  from 
leading  jobbers  and  manufacturers  in  large 
quantities,  the  proprietors  can  afford  to  offer 
inducements  in  prices  and  quality  and  variety  of 
stock,  that  can  be  duplicated  by  few  and  excelled 
hy  none. 

We  commend  this  house  to  those  desiring  the 
choicest  goods  at  lowest  prices.  Five  capable 
assistants  are  employed  to  wait  on  customers, 
which  is  done  in  a  polite  and  prompt  manner. 
The  proprietors  number  their  patrons  and 
friends  by  the  score. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


87' 


The  Co-Operative  Life  and  Accident  Associ- 
tion,  G.  W.  Lewis,  Manager,  Room  7  Warner's 
Building. — Combining  all  the  desirable  features 
of  mutual  life  and  accident  insurance,  the  Co-op- 
erative Life  and  Accident  Company  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  has  been  inaugurated  under  the  most 
favorable  auspices,  and  in  five  years  it  has  ac- 
complished a  work  of  greatest  beneficence.  The 
membership  at  the  present  writing  is  4,000  and 
the  amount  for  which  they  are  insured  is  over 
$12,000,000. 

By  furnishing  to  members  full  accident  indem- 
nity without  additional  expense  for  fees  or  dues, 
while  their  life  policies  are  in  force,  the  associa- 
tion has  brought  within  reach  of  all  classes  the 
benefits  of  both  accident  and  life  insurance  at 
actual  cost. 

Any  person  of  good  moral  character  and  in 
good  health,  under  sixty-five  years  of  age  and 
not  under  seventeen  years  of  age,  is  eligible  to 
membership  in  this  association,  and  on  the  pay- 
ment of  an  admission  fee  of  $6.00,  and  of  assess- 
ments limited  to  $4,  the  amount  of  the  annual 
dues,  and  $1  to  the  accident  fund,  is  entitled  to 
$10  weekly  indemnity  in  case  of  accident,  and 
the  beneficiaries  to  $1,000  at  death. 

Policies  are  issued  for  $1,000  to  $10,000  insur- 
ance in  case  of  death,  $10  to  $25  weekly  indem- 
nity in  case  of  accident,  in  one  membership  upon 
the  mutual  benefit  plan.  The  officers  are,  E.  C. 
Hazard,  President;  Wm.  C.  Jones,  Vice-Presi- 
dent; Wm.  T.  Mersereau,  Treasurer;  Lewis  A. 
Osborn,  Secretary.  The  Association  was  organ- 
ized in  1882  to  meet  the  requirements  of  business 
men,  and  all  who  desire  to  carry  life  insurance 
separately  from  all  investment.  Its  steady,  solid 
growth,  and  the  endorsement  of  the  best  business 
and  financial  men  of  this  and  other  cities,  un- 
questionably guarantees  the  practicability,  safety 
and  popularity  of  this  system  of  insurance. 

The  standing  of  the  officers  and  board  of  direc- 
tors is  a  sufficient  guarantee  of  the  ability,  pru- 
dence and  integrity  of  the  management. 

Mr.  Geo.  W.  Lewis,  the  general  manager  for 
Connecticut,  is  one  of  the  directors  of  this  reli- 
able Association,  and  his  office  is  located  at 
Boom  7,  Warner  building,  Main  street,  where  all 
information  is  cheerfully  furnished,  and  member- 
ship secured.  He  is  a  reliable,  accurate  business 
man,  and  fullest  faith  in  his  worth  universally 
obtains. 

L.  H.  Mills,  Plumber,  Steam  and  Gas  Fitter, 
36  and  38  Middle  Street. — Prominent  among  the 
leading  firms  of  this  city  stands  the  establishment 
of  Mr.  L.  H.  Mills,  which  is  located  at  Nos.  36 
and  38  Middle  Street.  This  enterprise  was  start- 
ed 26  years  ago,  being  known  at  its  inception  as 
the  Bradbury  &  Wilmot  Manufacturing  Com- 
pany of  which  Mr.  Mills,  the  present  Proprietor, 
was  the  Superintendent.  This  gentleman  has 
had  sole  control  for  some  eight  years  and  has 
built  up  an  enormous  bus-iness,  which  requires 
the  occupancy  of  two  floors,  each  20x60  feet  in 
dimensions,  and  the  employment  of  some  seven- 
teen skilled  hands.  Plumbing  and  steam  and  gas 
fitting  of  all  descriptions  are  done  in  the  best  pos- 
sible manner  at  short  notice,  and  all  jobbing  or 
order  work  is  promptly  done,  satisfaction  being 
fully  guaranteed.  It  is  certainly  a  great  advan- 
tage when  giving  orders  for  work  of  this  kind  to 


feel  that  you  are  dealing  with  a  strictly  reputable 
and  responsible  house,  especially  when,  as  in  the 
case  with  the  establishment  under  discussion, 
work  is  done  at  the  lowest  possible  rates.  A 
heavy  stock  of  plumbers'  and  gas  fitters'  mate- 
rials is  constantly  carried,  and  every  facility  is  at 
hand  to  accommodate  the  immense  business 
done. 

J.  O.  Davies,  Stair  Builder,  Seeley  Street  off 
Cottage  Street. — The  difficulty  and  nicety  of  stair 
building  has  made  it  a  special  industry,  separate 
and  apart  from  house  building,  and  it  requires 
men  of  a  mechanical  turn  of  mind  to  become  ex- 
perts in  this  line. 

Mr.  J.  C.  Davies  whose  name  heads  this  sketch, 
commenced  here  in  1879  as  a  professional  stair 
builder.  His  location  is  favorable,  being  on 
Seeley  street,  and  his  shop,  which  occupies  two 
stories,  50x50  feet  in  dimensions,  besides  addi- 
tional buildings,  is  furnished  with  all  the  needed 
machinery  for  modern  style  work. 

Employment  is  furnished  to  five  skilled  work- 
men who  are  professional  stair  builders.  The 
work  of  this  establishment  from  its  beginning 
has  been  of  a  superior  class  and  the  business  has 
consequently  rapidly  increased,  and  at  present  is- 
coming  from  nearly  ail  parts  of  the  country. 
Mr.  Davies  carries  in  stock,  well  seasoned  mater- 
ials, so  that  he  is  prepared  at  all  times  to  supply 
the  trade  with  such  and  to  promptly  fill  all  orders 
sent  to  him  from  abroad.  Stair  rails,  balusters- 
and  posts  are  furnished  to  order,  promptly.  He 
has  built  the  stairs  of  many  of  Bridgeport's  most 
elegant  public  buildings  as  well  as  private  resi- 
dences. Specimens  of  his  work  may  be  seen  in 
Sanford's  Block,  Park  avenue ;  W.  F.  Sword's, 
Broad  street;  J.  W.  Birdseye,  Fairfield  avenue; 
Gaylord's  Block,  Connecticut  National  Bank, 
Fred  Sailer's  Block,  Bank  street,  and  Chauncy 
Morton's,  Fairfield  avenue. 

Mr.  Davies  is  a  native  of  New  York,  and  he  is 
recognized  as  fair  and  honorable  in  all  business 
transactions  and  enjoys  the  confidence  of  the 
general  public  in  an  eminent  degree. 

T.  M.  Barber,  Bread,  Cake  and  Pies;  Bakery, 
143  Myrtle  Avenue. — Barber's  bakery,  located  at 
No.  143  Myrtle  avenue,  is  one  of  the  most  relia- 
ble in  Bridgeport,  and  deserves  honorable  men- 
tion at  our  hands.  The  business  was  founded  in 
1887  by  T.  M.  Barber,  the  present  proprietor, 
who  is  a  thorough  master  of  everything  pertain- 
ing to  the  business  and  has,  during  the  short 
period  he  has  been  established,  built  up  a  trade 
upon  a  sound  and  permanent  basis. 

He  occupies  two  floors  of  the  building  on 
Myrtle  avenue,  covering  an  area  of  52x19  feet. 
The  store  and  bakery  are  well  equipped,  and 
have  every  convenience  and  facility  at  hand  for 
promptly  facilitating  the  business  in  all  its  vari- 
ous departments.  He  has  made  it  an  invariable 
rule  to  use  nothing  but  absolutely  pure  material, 
and  upon  this  substantial  basis  in  all  his  business 
dealings  he  has  won  a  wide  reputation  and  in- 
stant appreciation  from  all  who  buy  his  goods. 

He  has  developed  a  fine  wholesale  as  well  as 
family  trade,  and  his  bread,  cake  and  pastry  is 
highly  esteemed  for  its  freshness,  absolute  purity 
and  low  prices.  Experienced  hands  are  employed 
in  this  establishment. 


ss 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


F.  A.  Bartram  &  Co.,  Packers  and  Wholesale 
Provision  Dealers,  439,  441  and  443  Water 
Street. — This  old  house  has  a  history  coincident 
with  the  wonderful  growth  of  Bridgeport  as  a 
trade  center,  and  its  influence  in  building  up  the 
industries  of  the  city  has  been  appreciated  and 
sensibly  felt. 

The  business  was  started  about  thirty-five 
years  ago  by  Mr.  F.  A.  Bartram,  and  for  the  past 
thirteen  years  has  been  conducted  under  the 
above  firm  name  and  style. 

The  Messrs.  Bartram  have  long  been  the  lead- 
ing packers  and  provision  dealers  in  this  city  and 
section,  and  the  trade  they  have  developed  is  a 
large  item  in  the  great  aggregate  of  business  cen- 
tering here. 

The  extensive  warehouse  of  the  firm  is  eligibly 
located  at  Nos.  439,  441  and  443  Water  street 
and  comprises  a  large  substantial  three  story 
building  75x100  feet  in  dimensions,  equipped  in 
the  most  admirable  manner  for  the  dispatch  of 
business,  and  affording  every  convenience  for  the 
storage  and  handling  of  merchandise.  The 
proximity  to  the  N.  Y.,  N.  H.  &  H.  railroad 
gives  ample  facilities  for  receipt  and  shipment  of 
goods,  and  the  resources  of  the  house  to  meet 
every  requirement  of  their  wide-spread  trade 
with  dealers  throughout  this  and  adjoining 
States  are  all  that  could  be  desired.  The  abat- 
toir of  the  firm  is  large  and  complete,  and  the 
operations  of  the  house  necessitate  the  employ- 
ment of  a  force  of  twenty-five  to  thirty  work- 
men. 

The  Messrs.  Bartram  handle  immense  quanti- 
ties of  fresh  and  cured  pork,  provisions,  etc..  and 
supply  the  trade  at  lowest  wholesale  rates,  and 
in  quality,  as  in  prices,  the  firm  successfully 
compete  with  any  house  in  their  line  in  New  York 
or  New  England. 

Messrs.  F.  A.,  Geo.  H.,  and  Edgar  B.  Bar- 
tram comprise  this  responsible,  representative 
firm.  They  are  all  "natives  and  to  the  manner 
born,"  and  are  recognized  as  successful  leaders 
in  their  line  of  mercantile  enterprise — andestima 
ble  and  influential  citizens. 

Wm.  H.  Mclntyre,  430  Main  Street.— This 
establishment,  which  ranks  among  the  .leading 
business  houses  of  Bridgeport,  is  one  of  the 
largest  in  the  city  dealing  in  fancy  goods  and 
toys. 

Mr.  Wm.  H.  Mclntyre,  the  present  proprietor, 
established  the  business  two  years  ago,  and  to 
his  superior  skill,  able  management  and  untiring 
industry,  is  due  in  a  great  measure  the  progress 
and  success  which  has  been  attained  during  its 
career.  A  large  and  varied  stock  is  carried, 
including  foreign  and  domestic  wools,  notions 
and  embroidery  silks,  toys,  baskets,  wagons, 
velocipedes,  doll  carriages,  etc.,  a  specialty  of 
the  house  being  stamping  of  all  kinds  of  em- 
broidery work,  etc.  This  house  possesses  every 
facility  known  to  the  trade  for  giving  his  patrons 
and  friends  extra  inducements,  both  in  low 
prices  and  excellent  quality  of  goods  sold. 

The  customers  of  this  well  known  house  com- 
prise many  of  our  best  citizens,  who  testify  to  its 
popularity.  Five  clerks  are  here  employed,  all 
of  whom  are  courteous  and  polite  and  ever  ready 
to  attend  to  the  wants  of  customers. 

The  store  occupied  covers  an   area  of   18x90 


feet,  and  is  centrally  located  at  No.  420  Main 
street,  and  is  filled  with  one  of  the  largest  stocks 
of  goods  to  be  found  in  any  similar  establishment 
in  the  city. 

Mr.  Mclntire  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport,  and  is 
very  enterprising  and  energetic.  His  business 
standing  and  general  reputation,  as  well  as  the 
liberal  manner  in  which  the  business  is  conducted 
is  a  subject  of  the  most  favorable  comment. 

H.  W.  Lyon,  Manufacturer  of  Corsets,  88 
Middle  Street. — With  most  gratifying  results, 
Mr.  H.  W.  Lyon  has  for  seven  years  conducted 
in  Bridgeport  one  of  the  most  complete  and  suc- 
cessful corset  factories  in  New  England,  and  his 
trade  is  one  of  the  large  items  in  the  sum  total 
of  business  which  has  given  to  the  town  her 
wonderful  growth  and  prosperity. 

He  has  occupied  his  present  location  on  Middle 
street  for  two  years,  and  the  establishment  is  a 
model  of  completeness  in  equipment  and  ap- 
pointments; the  valuable  machinery  being  oper- 
ated by  a  steam  engine,  and  a  force  of  from  80  to  100 
operatives  find  employment  in  the  factory. 

Mr.  Lyon  manufactures  large  quantities  of  all 
kinds  and  styles  of  corsets,  and  has  facilities  both 
for  general  work  and  for  filling  special  orders 
equal  to  any  requirement  of  his  extensive  trade. 

Prompt,  energetic,  ai  d  always  to  be  depended 
upon,  Mr.  Lyon's  methods  and  worth  have  the 
established  confidence  of  customers  and  corre- 
spondents. 

He  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport,  and  is  a  gentle- 
man of  untiring  energy,  enterprise  and  push. 

Mr.  Lyon  has  recently  added  the  manufacture 
of  corset  waists  in  all  sizes. 

C.  A.  Kane  &  Co.,  Druggist  and  Apothecary. 
61G  Main  Street. — Among  the  many  attractive 
business  enterprises  of  Bridgeport,  none  is  more 
deserving  of  notice  than  the  pharmacy  of  C.  A. 
Kane  &  Co.,  located  at  616  Main  street.  This 
establishment  was  founded  in  1875.  The  present 
firm  assumed  control  in  April,  1887,  and  has 
since  occupied  an  enviable  position  in  the  trade. 
The  premises  occupied  are  spacious  and  conven- 
ient, being  18x55  feet  in  dimensions,  and  the 
stock  shown  embraces  a  full  and  complete  line  of 
drugs  and  chemicals,  together  with  an  assort- 
ment of  such  specialties  as  are  usually  to  be 
found  in  a  first-class  pharmacy. 

The  display  of  case  goods  and  fancy  articles 
rivals  that  shown  by  many  of  his  competitors. 
The  large  retail  trade  of  this  house  requires  the 
employment  of  two  thoroughly  skilled  and  reli- 
able clerks,  and  Mr.  Kane  being  an  experienced 
druggist,  the  prescription  department  is  managed 
with  a  skill  and  intelligence  which  has  given  the 
house  an  enviable  reputation  in  the  trade. 

The  neat  and  attractive  appearance  of  this 
store  and  fine  stock  of  toilet  goods,  etc.,  handled, 
has  done  much  to  make  it  a  favorite  resort  for 
those  desirous  of  obtaining  first-class  goods  in 
this  line. 

Mr.  Kane  is  a  native  of  Massachusetts.  Edu- 
cated to  his  profession  he  has  acquired  a  profi- 
ciency that  has  placed  him  in  a  high  position  in 
the  trade.  Enterprising  and  reliable,  cautious 
and  exact,  he  has  secured  the  confidence  of  the 
public  to  a  marked  degree,  a  confidence  to  which 
his  early  training  has  made  him  the  just  recipient. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


89 


Bridgeport  Patent  Leather  Manufacturing 
Company,  Camion  Street. — The  old  saying  lias 
it — "  There's  nothing  like  leather,"  and  certainly 
when  you  come  to  think  of  it  you  find  that,  sure 
enough,  it  is  a  unique  material  and  one  whose 
place  could  be  filled  by  no  substitute.  The  raw 
hide  is  made  up  into  very  many  widely  differing 
products,  prominent  among  these  is  that  in 
which  a  beautiful  and  brilliant  gloss  is  given  to 
the  surface,  and  which  is  so  universally  known 
under  the  name  of  "  Patent  Leather." 

One  of  the  oldest  established  and  most  successful 
concerns  manufacturing  this  article  is  the  Bridge- 
port Patent  Leather  Manufacturing  Co.,  which 
was  established  under  its  present  name  in  1849. 
the  same  business  having  previously  been  carried 
on  by  Mr.  S.  J.  Patterson,  now  the  president  and 
treasurer  of  the  company.  The  works  are  very 
extensive,  eight  buildings  being  occupied,  cover- 
ing ground  of  the  dimensions  of  226x165  feet, 
and  the  motive  power  is  afforded  by  an  engine  of 
forty-five  horse-power.  Fifty  hands  are  employed 
The  General  Manager  and  Secretary  of  the  com- 
pany is  Mr.  John  E.  Pond,  who  is  one  of  the 
best-known  men  in  the  city,  he  having  been 
Town  Auditor,  a  member  of  the  Common  Coun- 
cil, and  also  of  the  Board  of  Police  Commis 
sioners.  Mr.  Patterson  was  also  formerly  con- 
nected with  the  Common  Council,  and  is  very 
highly  respected  in  the  community.  The  Board 
of  Directors  of  the  company  consist  of  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen:  Mr.  S.  J.  Patterson,  Mr. 
John  "E."  Pond.  Mr.  F.  C.  Nichols,  Mr.  8.  H. 
Patterson,  and  Mr.  C.  H.  Capen. 

Henry  Carstesen,  Proprietor  of  State  Street 
Stables,  236  State  Street,  and  West  End  Stables, 
Colorado  Avenue,  Livery,  Sales  and  Boarding; 
Strict  attention  given  to  Boarding  of  Private 
Horses;  Weddings,  Parties  and  Funerals 
promptly  attended  to. — One  of  the  greatest  con- 
veniences of  a  large  city  is  a  complete  and  well 
regulated  livery,  sales  and  boarding  stable,  and 
one  of  the  most  popular  of  these,  located  in 
Bridgeport,  is  the  one  owned  and  conducted  by 
Henry  Carstesen.  These  stables  were  established 
in  Juljr,  1885,  by  Raymond  &  Carstesen,  and 
continued  by  them  until  September,  of  the  same 
year,  when  Mr.  Carstesen  assumed  full  control, 
since  which  time  he  has  succeeded  in  making  his 
stables  so  popular,  that  they  to-day  rank  among 
the  most  prominent  in  Bridgeport, 

The  premises,  which  are  located  at  236  State 
street,  comprise  a  three  story  brick  building, 
which  have  excellent  accommodations  for  sixty 
head  of  horses  and  every  facility  for  the  comfort 
and  rest  of  horses  while  in  the  care  of  this 
stable;  the  stalls  are  large,  well  lighted  and  ven- 
tilated, in  fact,  every  convenience  is  to  be  ob- 
tained here  that  can  be  found  in  an}'  first-class 
livery,  sales  and  boarding  stables  Particular  at- 
tention is  paid  to  boarding  of  private  horses.  All 
orders  for  weddings,  parties,  and  funerals 
promptly  attended  to.  Stylish  and  first-class 
teams  furnished  for  all  occasions.  Also  most  re- 
liable and  competent  drivers,  if  desired. 

Mr.  Carstesen's  long  residence  in  this  city,  his 
genial  manner  and  honorable  business  transac- 
tions has  gained  him  the  high  esteem  and  respect 
of  our  citizens 

At  the  West  End  Mr.  Carstesen  has  recently 


opened  another  fully  appointed  livery  and  board- 
ing stable  on  Colorado  avenue,  called  the  West 
End  Stables,  where  residents  of  that  section  will 
find  every  advantage  in  the  way  of  fine  horses 
and  carriages.    Telephone  connections  from  both. 

The  Wheel  and  Wood  Bending  Company, 
Manufacturers  of  Wheels,  Spokes,  Bubs, 
Bent  Felloes,  Carriage  Bows,  Shafts,  Poles, 
Beds,  etc.,  76  John  Street. — As  a  source  of  supply 
i  for  carriage  builders,  the  wheel  and  wood  bend- 
I  ing  establishment  of  the  company  of  that  name 
I  at  Bridgeport  has  long  occupied  a  prominent 
I  place  among  the  industrial  interests,  and  has 
largely  contributed  to  the  great  volume  of  the 
trade  of  the  city.  The  business  was  inaugurated 
in  1850  by  Messrs.  Smith  &  Barlow,  and  the 
trade  of  the  house  outgrowing  the  resources  for 
supply,  the  stock  company,  as  at  present  con- 
stituted, was  organized  and  incorporated  about 
twenty  years  ago,  since  which  time,  with  greatly 
increased  facilities,  the  work  has  been  conducted 
on  a  scale  of  large  proportions.  The  bending 
works  comprise  a  large  three-story  building 
30x125  feet  in  dimensions,  supplied  "throughout 
with  valuable  improved  machinery  driven  by 
steam,  and  the  extensive  trade  of  the  concern 
necessitates  the  employment  of  fifty  hands.  The 
output  of  these  works  embraces  wheels,  spokes, 
hubs,  bent  felloes,  carriage  bows,  shafts,  poles, 
beds,  etc.,  in  all  the  most  desirable  styles,  and  in 
quality,  warranted  unsurpassed  in  every  partic- 
ular. The  company  carry  in  stock  a  large  assort- 
ment of  seasoned  wood  work  for  carriages,, 
available  for  immediate  use,  and  orders  for 
special  work  of  every  description  in  this  range 
of   merchandise  are  executed  with  dispatch. 

Mr.  Horace  Smith  is  the  president,  Mr.  Horace 
W.  Smith,  secretary,  and  E.  C.  Smith,  treasurer^ 
of  this  representative  company.  They  are  natives 
of  Connecticut,  and  possess  unmistakably  the 
executive  ability,  tact  and  energy  which  insures 
success  in  any  field  of  business  enterprise. 

N.  Buckingham  &  Co.,  Manufacturers  of  and 
Dealers  in  Furniture  of  all  kinds,  387  and  389' 
Water  Street.  —  One  of  the  most  universally 
known  and  probably  the  oldest  established  house 
of  the  kind  in  Bridgeport,  is  that  conducted  by 
Messrs.  N.  Buckingham  &  Co.,  at  Nos.  387  and 
389  Water  street.  This  firm  are  manufacturers 
of  and  dealers  in  furniture  of  all  kinds,  the  busi- 
ness having  been  founded  by  Mr.  N.  Buckingham 
half  a  century  ago.  The  business  is  now  owned 
and  conducted  by  Mr.  C.  B.  Buckingham,  under 
the  present  style.  Four  floors  are  occupied,  each 
of  the  dimensions  of  80x100  feet,  and  upwards  of 
twenty  hands  are  given  constant  employment. 
A  large  and  varied  stork  is  carried  of  all  descrip- 
tions of  furniture,  and  as  the  goods  are  manufac- 
tured under  the  personal  supervision  of  Mr^ 
Buckingham,  the  high  standard  so  long  ago  es- 
tablished for  the  productions  of  this  house  is 
strictly  adhered  to.  Many  beautiful  and  novel 
designs  arc  shown  and  the  workmanship  and 
material  exhibited  in  these  articles  are  honest 
and  first-class  in  every  particular.  A  full  guar- 
antee is  given  that  all  goods  will  prove  to  be 
precisely  as  represented,  and  the  prices  at  which 
they  are  sold  are  wonderfully  low  for  goods  of 
such  uniform  and  high  excellence. 


30 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


John  Rutherford,  Mason  and  Builder,  and 
Dealer  in  Brick,  Lime,  Cement,  Building  Stone 
and  Plaster;  Office,  West  End  Lower  Bridge 
(opposite  Railroad  Depot). — A  very  old-estab- 
lished business  enterprise  and  one  that  long  ago 
was  accorded  the  high  position  which  it  now 
holds  in  the  trade  and  with  the  general  public, 
is  that  so  ably  and  successfully  conducted  for  the 
past  26  years  by  Mr.  John  Rutherford.  This 
gentleman  carries  on  the  business  of  a  mason  and 
builder  and  dealer  in  brick,  lime,  cement,  build- 
ing stone  and  plaster,  in  an  office  situated  at  the 
West  End  Lower  Bridge  (opposite  Railroad  De- 
pot), the  docks  and  yards  for  the  execution  of 
the  mechanical  portion  of  the  business  being 
located  in  East  Bridgeport,  on  the  corner  of 
Pembroke  and  Steuben  streets.  Mr.  Rutherford's 
orders  are  important  and  abundant,  and  during 
that  portion  of  the  year  (from  April  to  Septem- 
ber) in  which  in  this  climate  the  most  of  a 
mason's  work  must  of  necessity  be  done,  from 
80  to  90  hands  are  employed  by  him  and  are 
found  none  too  many  to  properly  handle  the 
business  transacted.  Plain  and  ornamental  cor- 
nices, renter  pieces,  brackets,  etc.,  are  manu- 
factured and  put  up,  and  some  of  the  choicest  and 
most  artistic  and  pleasing  designs  in  these  goods 
are  controlled  or  made  by  Mr.  Rutherford. 
Orders  for  any  and  all  kinds  of  mason  work  will 
receive  early  and  careful  attention,  and  the  past 
reputation  of  this  house  is  sufficient  guarantee 
that  all  orders  will  be  fulfilled  skillfully  and  well. 
Among  the  prominent  buildings  constructed  by 
Mr.  Rutherford  we  would  mention  the  Connecti- 
cut Bank  Building,  Seaside  Institute,  Barnum 
Building,  and  a  number  of  others. 

J.  W.  Johnson,  Real  Estate  Agent,  Rooms  3 
and  4,  Connecticut  National  Bank  Building,  cor- 
ner of  Main  and  Wall  Streets. — The  East  being 
emphatically  the  moneyed  section  of  the  United 
States  it  naturally  follows  that  in  that  part  of  the 
country  should  be  established  numerous  agencies 
of  more  or  less  reliability  to  facilitate  loans  on 
property  situated  elsewhere.  We  say  of  more 
or  less  reliability  for  it  is  an  open  secret  that 
some  of  these  agencies  are  of  what  may  be  called 
the  "bucket-shop"  variety  and  only  seek  to  fleece 
their  patrons  in  the  shortest  possible  time.  But 
there  are  others  of  undisputed  character  and 
value  and  prominent  among  these  stands  the 
agency  conducted  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Johnson  in 
rooms  3  and  4  in  the  Connecticut  National  Bank 
Building,  corner  of  Main  and  Wall  streets. 

This  gentleman  began  operations  in  1882  and 
has  already  built  up  a  large  clientage  by  the  abil- 
ity and  zeal  which  he  has  shown  in  his  dealings 
with  investors. 

He  is  a  native  of  Easton,  Connecticut,  and  was 
for  nine  years  treasurer  of  that  town  as  well  as 
selectman.  He  does  a  real  estate  arjd  insurance 
business,  representing  Meriden  Fire  Insurance 
Co.,  of  Meriden;  The  Quincy  Mutual,  of  Quincy, 
Mass. ;  The  American  Investment  Co.,  and  the 
Jarvis-Conklin  Mortgage  Trust  Co.,  of  Kansas 
City,  Mo.  Mr.  Johnson  makes  a  specialty  of 
Western  securities  and  real  estate  and  has  ex 
ceptional  advantages  to  offer  to  investors.  He  is 
an  authority  on  real  estate  matters  and  may  be 
implicitly  depended  upon  to  advance  his  clients' 
interests  as  though  they  were  his  own. 


Smith  &  Hubbard,  Attorneys  at  Law,  Solic- 
itors of  Patents,  Offices,  Corner  Main  and  Wall 
Streets;  also,  Danbury,  Meriden  and  Shelton. — 
The  great  good  which  may  be  and  is  attained  by 
the  employment  of  honorable  and  competent 
patent  solicitors  is  now  generally  conceded  by 
those  best  qualified  to  judge  in  the  matter,  and 
although  the  entire  profession  has  no  doubt 
suffered  to  some  extent  by  reason  of  the  absurdly 
extravagant  claims  and  generally  egotistical  and 
unprofessional  conduct  of  some  who  have  loudly 
vaunted  their  skill  in  procuring  patents,  etc. .  yet 
so  'has  the  medical  profession,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  clergy,  and  still  we  believe  that  the  necessity 
of  both  these  professions  is  allowed  by  the  ma- 
jority of  people. 

Among  the  best  known  and  most  highly  es- 
teemed of  these  attorneys-at-law  who  have  made 
a  specialty  of  patent  cases,  are  Messrs.  Smith  & 
Hubbard,  whose  Bridgeport  offices  are  at  the 
corner  of  Main  and  Wall  streets.  Here  (in  the 
Connecticut  Bank  building),  five  rooms  are  occu- 
pied, and  a  large  amount  of  business  is  done, 
there  being  branch  offices  at  Danbury,  Meriden 
and  Birmingham.  The  inception  of  the  business 
was  by  Mr.  F.W.  Smith,  Jr.,  in  1877,  it  first  being 
established  at  Washington,  D.  C.  In  1881,  a 
removal  to  Bridgeport  was  had,  and  a  partner- 
ship was  formed  with  Mr.  A.  M.  Wooster  a  year 
later. 

The  present  firm  was  founded  in  1883,  and  has 
since  been  entrusted  with  many  valuable  inven- 
tions for  which  patents  have  been  promptly 
secured,  and  all  the  necessary  legal  business  done 
faithfully,  and  to  the  perfect  satisfaction  of  all 
parties  concerned. 


Savage  &  Smith  Building  Co.,  112  Cannon 
Street. — The  work  of  the  builder  is  of  the  great- 
est importance  and  when  one  reflects  how  abso- 
lute the  confidence  is  which  is  placed  in  the  skill 
and  integrity  of  he  who  follows  this  business  and 
how  seldom  this  confidence  is  misplaced,  he  will 
see  that  builders,  as  a.  body,  have  just  cause  to 
congratulate  themselves  on  their  high  standing  in 
the  community.  If  a  stranger  in  Bridgeport 
were  to  inquire  whenever  he  saw  an  unusually 
fine  building,  what  the  name  of  the  builder  was, 
he  could  not  fail  to  be  struck  with  the  constant 
repetition  which  he  would  hear  of  the  firm  name 
"Savage  &  Smith,"  or  the  "Savage  &  Smith 
Building  Co.,"  as  the  case  might  be.  When  the 
more  prominent  members  of  this  company  first 
became  associated  in  business  in  1881  it  was 
under  the  name  of  Savage  &  Smith,  and  they 
carried  on  operations  for  six  years  under  the 
style  given,  until  their  transactions  became  so 
extensive  as  to  necessitate  the  formation  of  a 
joint-stock  company,  which  change  was  consum- 
mated the  first  of  the  current  year.  The  officers 
are:  Mr.  W.  A.  Smith,  president,  and  Mr.  W. 
L.  Savage  secretary  and  treasurer,  and  these  gen- 
tlemen, with  the  addition  of  Mr.  Chas.  Botsford, 
also  form  the  board  of  directors. 

They  do  an  enormous  business,  employing 
fifty-five  men  and  occupying  two  large  floors 
at  No.  112  Cannon  street.  Among  their 
work  may  be  mentioned  the  Connecticut  Bank 
building. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


91 


THE    CONNECTICUT   NATIONAL   BANK,   ERECTED   IN   1886. 


$2 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


w 


J 

-etc. 
few 


I  he  clay.  One  of  the  most  reliable 
establishments  in  this  line  of  business 
is  that  of  P.  C.  Bennett,  located  at  Nos. 
380  and  382  Water  street.  He  imports 
very  extensively  and  wholesales,  an 
excellently  selected  stock  of  fine  goods, 
embracing  leading  and  favorite  brand 
of  imported  and  domestic  whiskeys, 
brandies,  gin,  rum,  and  still  and  spark- 
ling wines  of  every  kind. 

The  business  was  originally  estab- 
lished by  Abijah  Burroughs,  later  by 
H.  Hall  &  Co.,  succeeded  by  the  pres- 
ent management  in  1879,  and  the  trade, 
which  has  constantly  increased  from 
the  first,  extends  throughout  the  State. 
.Mr.  Bennett  quotes  the  lowest  prices 
to  be  obtained  in  the  market  for  rirst- 
class  goods. 

The  building  occupied  is  four  stories,  all  of 
which  are  used  by  this  mammoth  concern.  They 
cover  an  area  each  of  24x90  feet,  and  emplojr- 
ment  is  given  to  capable  and  efficient  assistants 


Wilkinson,  Dealer  in  Bicycles,   Tricycles, 

187  State  Street. — During  the  comparatively 

years  that  the  modern  bicycle  has  been 
known  in  this  country  its  use  has  spread  with 
most  wonderful   rapidity,   and  the  many  who 

prophesied  on  its  first  introduction  here,  that  it  in  the  several  departments 
would  speedily  share  the  fate  of  its  prototype  the  Mr.  F.  C.  Bennett  is  a  native  of  Connecticut, 
"velocipede"  or  "  bone  crusher,"  as  it  was  and  is  a  gentleman  of  energy  and  ability,  being 
known  to  the  initiated',  have  seen  their  croaking  highly  esteemed  throughout  the  city  by  a  large 
come  to  naught  and  the  "  wheel"  come  to  stay,    circle  of  friends. 

Considered  simply  as  a  marvel  of  mechanism,  a        We  commend  this    house  to  the  trade  as  an 
high  grade  "light  roadster,"  is  worthy  of  careful  i  enterprising  one.     Mr.    Bennett    ably  conducts 


the  business,  and  knows  thoroughly  the  wants  of 
the  public. 

Boylston  &  Phillips,  Dealers  in  Stationery, 
Toilet  and  Fancy  Goods;  also,  Manufacturers  of 
Children's  Carriages,  Doll  Carriages,  Girls'  Pro- 
pellers, Sleighs,  Sleds  and  Velocipedes,  102 
State  Street. — In  pursuing  our  investigations  to 
obtain  material  to  compile  this  volume,  the  facts 
are  prominently  brought  before  us  that  thous- 
ands of  operatives  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
wear  out,  and  do  break  down  occasionally,  and  I  capital  are  here  invested  in  the  manufacture  of 
then  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that  their  !  carriages;  and,  furthermore,  that  the  products 
repair  be  entrusted  to  one  who  is  not  only  a  fine  '  of  Bridgeport's  workshops  are  fully  equal,  and 
workman,  but  who  has  had  large  experience  with  :  iu  many  cases,  superior  in  quality  and  finish  to 
that  particular  kind  of  work.  Such  work  can  ,  carriages  manufactured  elsewhere, 
be  given  with  a  complete  assurance  that  it  will  j  Of  the  houses  concerned  in  this  vast  industry, 
l)e  properly  done  to  Mr.  J.  Wilkinson,  who  j  we  will  now  devote  a  space  to  the  one  presided 
deals  in  bicycles,  tricycles,  etc.,  and  does  general  J  over  by  Messrs.  Boylston  &  Phillips.  This  busi- 
repairing    in    all    branches,    at    No.    187   State  |  ness  was  opened  in  Bridgeport  in  March,  1887, 


study,  and  when  this  has  been  given  it  an  an- 
swer is  found  to  the  oft-repeated  question,  "  Why 
do  bicycles  cost  so  much  ?" 

Twenty-five  pounds  of  steel  and  rubber,  stand- 
ing fifty  inches  or  more  high,  have  to  be  com- 
bined with  no  small  degree  of  science  and  me- 
chanical skill  to  safely  carry  a  150-pound  man 
up  hill  and  down  at  a  high  rate  of  speed,  and 
these  things  always  have  and  always  will  cost 
money. 

But  these  machines,  as  perfect  as  they  are,  will 


street. 

This  enterprise  was  started  in  1883,  by  Wilkin- 
son Bros.,  and  has  been  carried  on  by  the  present 
owner  alone  since  1884. 

Mr.  Wilkinson  is  a  native  of  Sheffield,  Eng- 
land, and  is  thoroughly  acquainted  with  bicycles 
and  bicycle  work  in  all  its  branches.  He  carries 
a  fine  stock  of  wheels,  which  are  warranted  to 
prove  as  represented,  and  those  in  need  of  a 
stylish,  safe  and  speedy  bicycle  should  give 
him  an  early  call. 

He  is  sole  agent  for  this  vicinity  for  the  cele- 
brated Columbia,  Star  and  the  Otto  (for  boys). 
He  carries  the  largest  stock  of  steel  wheels  in  the 
State. 

F.  C  Bennett,  Successor  to  H.  Hall  &  Co., 
Importer  and  Wholesale  Dealer  in  Fine  Liquors 
and  Wines,  380  and  382  Water  Street.— The 
large  consumption  of  spirituous  liquors  forms  an 
important  item  in  the  commercial  transactions  of 


by  the  present  proprietors,  who  started  in  Green- 
field, Mass.,  in  1850,  moving  to  New  York  in 
1857,  where  a  branch  is  now  located.  For  the 
manufacture  and  sale  of  children's  carriages,  etc., 
the  extensive  premises  located  at  102  State 
street  are  utilized,  covering  an  area  of  70x25 
feet,  which  is  furnished  with  every  facility 
requisite  for  the  prosecution  of  the  business, 
which  is  devoted  to  the  manufacture  of  chil- 
dren's carriages,  dolls'  carriages,  girls' propellers, 
sleighs,  sleds  and  velocipedes.  In  addition  to 
the  manufacture  of  the  above  named  line  of 
goods,  Messrs.  Boylston  &  Phillips  are  dealers 
in  stationery,  toilet  and  fancy  goods.  They 
conduct  an  extensive  wholesale  and  retail  trade 
in  their  line  of  goods,  repairing  of  children's 
carriages  being  a  specialty. 

Both  Mr.  R.  H.  Boylston  and  Mr.  II.  L. 
Phillips  are  Massachusetts  men  by  birth.  These 
gentlemen  are  well  known  in  social  as  well  as 
business  circles. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


93 


Coester  Brothers,  Dealers  in  House  Furnish- 
ing Goods,  Hardware,  Paints,  Oils,  etc.,  830 
Main  Street  (Bull's  Head). — In  carefully  examin- 
ing the  commercial  interests  of  Bridgeport,  it  is 
a  constant  source  of  pleasurable  surprise  to  note 
the  advances  that  have  been  made  during  the 
past  few  years,  and  the  growth  of  enterprises  in 
many  directions  of  usefulness,  that  add  no  little 
to  the  general  wealth  and  prosperity  of  the  city. 
These  reflections  were  forcibly  suggested  by  a 
visit  to  the  extensive  establishment  of  Coester 
Bros,  at  No.  830  Main  street  (Bull's  Head).  This 
business  was  founded  one  year  ago  by  the  above 
mentioned  firm,  the  individual  members  of  winch 
are  C.  Fred  and  Frank  A.  Coester.  Since  its 
start  the  facilities  as  well  as  the  operations  of  the 
house  have  been  very  largely  increasi  d.  The 
premises  occupied  by  the  firm  consist  of  a  fine 
store  20  x40  feet  in  dimensions,  being  stored  with 
the  many  varieties  of  goods  which  comprise  the 
stock.  Several  employees  find  occupation  here 
and  a  trade  is  transacted  which  embraces  all 
parts  of  the  city  and  vicinity.  The  store  is  replete 
with  a  stock  of  the  newest  patterns  in  cups  and 
saucers,  plates,  etc.,  dish  pans,  coffee  pots,  din- 
ner kettles,  coal  hods,  wash  boards,  wringers, 
baskets,  hammers,  nails,  hatchets,  pocket  knives, 
table  cutlery,  scissors,  pistols,  rope,  silver-ware, 
lamps,  shovels,  window  glass,  paints,  oils,  var- 
nishes, glue,  and  many  other  articles  which  our 
limited  space  will  not  permit  us  to  mention. 

In  conclusion,  we  may  add  that  this  house  is 
one  that  has  been  founded  on  a  basis  that  entitles 
it  to  marked  consideration  and  the  great  success 
achieved  since  it  was  originated  has  been  well  de- 
served, and  is  an  evidence  of  the  high  repute  in 
which  it  is  held. 

Patrick  O'Rourke,  Importer  and  Wholesale 
Dealer  in  Foreign,  Domestic  Liquors,  and  Fine 
Whiskies.  Agent  for  Flanagan,  Nay  &  Co.'s 
Celebrated  Ales  and  Porter,  324  Water  Street. — 


Among  the  large  and  important  houses  that  are 
engaged  in  this  line  of  trade  in  Bridgeport  is  the 
well  known  concern  of  Patrick  O'Rourke. 

This  establishment  was  founded  in  1878  by  its 
present  proprietor.  The  premises  occupied  for 
the  transaction  of  the  business  are  located  at  324 
Water  street,  and  comprises  three  floors,  each 
24x75  feet  in  dimensions,  where  a  large  and  com- 
plete stock  of  foreign  and  domestic  liquors  is 
carried. 

Mr.  O'Rourke  is  one  of  our  largest  import- 
ers and  wholesale  dealers  in  the  best  quality  of 
liquors.  He  is  agent  for  Flanagan,  Nay  &  Co.'s 
celebrated  ales  and  porter,  and  also  deals  exten- 
sively in  fine  whiskies. 

The  large  wholesale  trade  of  this  house  neces- 
sitates the  employment  of  three  competent  clerks 
who  are  prompt  and  attentive  to  all  customers, 
and  orders  are  filled  in  the  most  reliable  manner. 

Mr.  O'Rourke  is  a  native  of  Ireland  and  too 
well  known  in  this  city  and  surrounding  country 
to  need  any  commendation  at  our  hands.  We 
therefore  cordially  commend  this  enterprise  to 
the  attention  of  those  in  need  of  this  class  of 
merchandise,  assuring  them  as  we  can  that  all 
business  transactions  with  Mr.  O'Rourke  will  be 
to  the  advantage  of  all  concerned.  The  large 
and  tine  stock  is  full  and  complete  and  exhibits 
rare  good  judgment  in  its  selection  and  will  repay 
a  visit  from  the  most  fastidious  dealers. 


Warner  B  others,  Corset  Manufacturers,  359 
Broadway,  New  York,  Factory  at  Bridgeport. — 
Of  the  many  great  industries  which  have  brought 
distinction  to  Bridgeport  as  a  great  manufactur- 
ing and  rapidly  growing  city,  the  corset  factory 
of  Messrs.  Warner  Bros.,  corner  Lafayette  and 
Atlantic  streets  is  one  of  prime  importance. 

The  bu-iness  was  inaugurated  in  1876,  and 
from  the  first  has  been  conducted  on  a  scale  of 
great  proportions  and  with  most  gratifying  suc- 
cess. 

The  valuable  plant  is  eligibly  located,  the 
works  comprising  an  imposing  and  substantial 
block  of  four-story  brick  buildings,  occupying 
three  sides  of  an  entire  city  block,  100x225  feet 
in  dimensions  and  in  its  (  quipment  and  appoint- 
ments the  factory  is  a  model  of  completeness  and 
convenience.  A  corps  of  several  hundred  opera- 
tives find  constant  employment  in  the  service  of 
the  Messrs.  Warner,  and  the  costly  machinery  is 
driven  by  steam  engines  of  great  power. 

The  output  comprises  numerous  quantities  of 
the  best  fitting  and  most  durable  and  comforta- 
ble corsets  in  the  market,  the  quality  and  super- 
ior excellence  of  their  manufactures  being  rec- 
ognized by  the  jobbing  and  retail  trade  in  all 
parts  of  the  United  States  and  in  many  foreign 
countries,  and  the  trade  of  the  house  is  steadily 
increasing  and  extending. 

Messrs.  J.  Dever  Warner  and  L.  C.  Warner 
are  the  individual  membere  of  this  well-known 
firm.  They  are  among  the  foremost  and  most 
succesful  business  men  of  New  York,  and  oc- 
cupy extensive  warerooms  at  No.  359  Broad- 
way. 

Mr.  J.  Dever  Warner  is  a  director  of  the 
Pequonnock  National  Bank  of  Bridgeport,  and 
both  gentlemen  are  accounted  among  the  influen- 
tial progressive  citizens. 


94 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Daniel  O'Donnell,  Successor  to  T.  W.  Beach, 
Dealer  in  Groceries  and  Provisions,  etc.,  628 
Main  Street. — This  old  and  well-established  gro- 
cery house  has  been  noted  for  many  years  for  the 
very  fine  stock  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries 
always  to  be  found  here. 

This  house  was  established  by  S.  M.  Gibbs  in 
1856,  but  was  succeeded  by  T.  W.  Beach  in 
1877,  and  for  the  past  ten  years  has  enjoyed  a 
large  and  lucrative  retail  trade,  extending  among 
many  of  our  first-class  families. 

The  premises  occupied  for  the  business  are 
located  at  628  Main  street,  and  measure  18x50 
feet  in  size,  where  a  very  fine  and  attractive 
stock  of  groceries,  provisions  and  produce  is 
carried. 

Mr.  O'Donnell  has  the  reputation  of  keeping 
nothing  but  first-class  goods,  and  makes  a  spe- 
cialty of  furnishing  the  finest  quality  of  flour, 
teas,  coffee,  butter,  sugar,  spices,  etc. 

This  steadily  increasing  retail  trade  requires 
the  employment  of  three  competent  clerks,  and 
the  business  of  this  house  is  transacted  in  an 
energetic  and  enterprising  manner.  The  store  is 
commodious  and  well  arranged  in  all  the  depart- 
ments, and  the  attention  to  customers  is  all  that 
could  be  asked  for,  and  the  reliability  of  the 
proprietor  all  tend  to  preserve  a  business  so  well 
conducted  as  this. 

Mr  O'Donnell  was  born  in  the  city  of  New 
York,  but  his  long  residence  in  this  city,  and 
having  many  strong  friends  of  long  standing  in 
Bridgeport,  he  may  well  be  classed  among  her 
best  citizens. 

This  store  has  been  newly  fitted  up,  and  is 
one  of  the  finest  in  the  city,  and  has  the  largest 
stock  of  groceries  to  be  found  in  the  city.  Mr. 
O'Donnell  was  in  business  with  O'Donnell  & 
Driscoll,  659  Main  street,  for  four  years.  Hav- 
ing dissolved  partnership  with  Mr.  Driscoll,  Mr. 
O'Donnell  then  carried  on  the  business  alone  at 
659  Main  street,  when  he  succeeded  Mr.  Beach, 
at  628  Main  street ;  he  has  been  in  the  grocery 
business  for  the  past  twenty  years. 


Cole  &  Hinckley,  Contractors  in  Concrete 
Walks,  Asphaltum  Floors,  Driveways,  Gutters, 
etc. ;  Office,  273  Main  Street. — Possessing  every 
facility  and  the  requisite  skill  for  their  impor- 
tant work,  Messrs.  Cole  &  Hinckley,  for  nine 
years,  as  successors  to  Strong  &  Hinckley,  who 
established  the  business  here  seventeen  years 
ago,  have  conducted  a  large  and  prosperous 
business  as  contractors  for  concrete  walks, 
asphaltum  floors,  driveways,  gutters,  etc.  Their 
office  is  centrally  located  at  No.  273  Main  street, 
and  a  large  force  of  skilled  workmen  are  em- 
ployed in  their  extensive  operations.  They  fur- 
nish estimates  for  work  and  make  contracts  for 
paving,  curbing,  flagging,  etc.,  which  they  exe- 
cute with  dispatch  and  in  the  most  satisfactory 
manner,  and  their  work  is  invariably  guaranteed 
in  price  and  quality. 

Messrs.  Cole  &  Hinckley  are  practical  business 
men  of  long  experience  in  their  special  field  of 
industry,  and  are  experts  in  every  branch  of 
their  work.  They  give  to  it  their  personal  su- 
pervision, and  at  most  reasonable  prices  sup- 
ply the  most  reliable  work  and  materials  at  short 
notice. 


Messrs.  Oliver  B.  Cole  and  Wm.  R  Hinckley 
are  the  individual  members  of  this  responsible, 
representative  firm.  They  are  both  natives  of 
Connecticut,  and  are  held  in  high  esteem  as  busi- 
ness men  and  citizens. 


E.  S.  Wood,  Livery,  Boarding  and  Hack  Sta- 
bles, No.  864  North  Main  Street. — Prominent 
among  the  many  and  finely  equipped  livery 
stables  that  form  so  important  a  part  in  the  bus- 
iness of  Bridgeport  is  that  of  E.  S.  Wood,  which, 
was  established  in  1872  by  Messrs  Wood  &  Way, 
but  since  1882  has  been  under  the  full  control 
and  management  of  E.  S.  Wood,  who  is  the  sole 
proprietor. 

These  stables  are  located  at  No.  864  North 
Main  street,  and  consist  of  a  large  stable  and 
sheds  with  a  capacity  for  twenty  horses.  The 
strictest  care  and  attention  is  paid  to  the  comfort 
of  horses  while  entrusted  to  this  establishment; 
they  are  supplied  regularly  with  the  best  of  feed 
and  their  accommodations  are  all  that  can  be 
reasonably  desired;  the  stalls  are  good  size  and 
the  stables  are  well  ventilated  and  supplied  with 
the  most  improved  conveniences. 

A  fine  assortment  of  stylish  teams  will  be 
found  at  this  stable  which  are  let  at  unusually 
low  prices.  Also  first-class  carriages  and  bug- 
gies to  be  let  at  all  hours.  Mr.  Wood's  long  ex- 
perience in  the  business  gives  him  a  thorough 
knowledge  in  regard  to  horses,  and  none  but  safe 
and  reliable  ones  are  kept  for  general  use. 

Mr.  Wood  is  a  native  of  New  Hampshire,  but. 
his  thirteen  years'  business  transactions  in  Bridge- 
port has  gained  him  the  high  mpect  and  esteem 
of  the  citizens  of  this  city  and  surrounding 
towns. 


Geo.  V.  Schreyer,  Dealer  in  Beef,  Pork,  Veal, 
Lamb,  Ham,  Lard,  Sausages,  etc.  Vegetables 
in  their  Season;  Market  23  Bank  Street. — A 
prominent  house  in  Bridgeport  concerned  in  the 
above  named  branch  of  business  is  that  conduct- 
ed by  Mr.  George  V.  Schreyer,  who  occupies  the 
finely  appointed  market  located  at  23  Bank 
street,  which  is  utilized  for  meats,  vegetables, 
etc.  The  premises  cover  an  area  of  40x25  feet 
in  dimensions  and  are  provided  with  all  the  nec- 
essary requirements  for  the  preservation  of  the 
perishable  articles  handled. 

The  stock  carried  by  the  house  embraces  a 
large  and  choice  assortment  of  meats,  consisting 
of  beef,  pork,  veal,  lamb,  ham,  lard,  sausages, 
etc.,  also  fruits  and  vegetables  of  every  descrip- 
tion in  their  season. 

This  market  was  established  by  its  present 
proprietor  in  1881,  and  although  of  but  compara- 
tively recent  inception  it  has  through  the  ability 
and  enterprise  of  its  management  gained  au  en- 
viable reputation  in  this  community  for  first-class 
goods  at  very  reasonable  prices.  The  extent, 
to  which  the  retail  trade  of  this  house  has  reach- 
ed requires  the  employment  of  two  thoroughly 
experienced  assistants  in  addition  to  the  personal 
management  of  the  proprietor. 

Mr.  Schreyer  is  a  native  of  Wurtemburg,  Ger- 
many. He  lias  been  a  resident  of  this  city  for 
many  years  and  is  a  highly  respected  citizen. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


95 


SEASIDE   INSTITUTE. 


E.  Weldon,  Dealer  in  Groceries  and  Fruit, 
'Corner  Atlantic  and  Lafayette  Streets,  near 
Seaside  Institute. — An  important  factor  in  the 
grocery  line  is  the  house  of  Mr.  E.  Weldon, 
located  at  the  corner  of  Atlantic  and  Lafayette 
streets. 

Established  in  1886,  the  house  at  once  appro- 
priated a  large  share  of  popularity  in  the  trade, 
a  distinction  awarded  it  not  only  from  the 
assured  character  of  its  merchandise,  but  on 
account  of  the  enterprise  and  liberality  with 
which  its  operations  were  conducted. 

The  premises  composing  the  store  are  of  ample 
dimensions,  occupying  a  floor  20x40  feet  in  area. 
This  is  adequately  equipped  with  an  attractive 
and  valuable  stock.  The  details  of  the  trade 
which  extends  throughout  this  section  must 
necessarily  involve  the  greatest  care  and  the  most 
assiduous  attention. 

Three  cap  ible  assistants  are  busily  engaged 
waiting  upon  their  many  customers.  Orders 
are  promptly  and  carefully  filled.        • 

Mr.  Weldon,  the  proprietor,  is  a  native  of  the 
city,  and  is  widely  and  favorably  known.  It 
would  be  difficult  for  customers  to  find  a 
house  upon  which  greater  reliance  could  be 
placed. 


Edwin     Chatfield, 
No.  27  Cannon  Street. 


Furnished     Apartments, 
-Recofrnizino;  the  need  in 


this  city  of  an  establishment  where  the  traveling- 
public  could  obtain  a  comfortable  and  first  class 
room,  either  by  the  day  or  week,  at  reasonable 
rates,  Mr.  Edwin  Chatfield  opened  for  this  pur- 
pose recently  the  house  located  at  No.  27  Cannon 
street. 

These  premises  are  fitted  up  in  a  most 
complete  manner  for  the  business,  being  equipped 
with  all  modern  improvements,  gas,  baths, 
steam-heat,  electric  bells,  annunciators,  etc.  All 
the  rooms  are  light  and  airy  and  handsomely 
appointed  throughout.  It  is  located  most 
centrally,  being  within  easy  access  of  the  depot, 
post  office  and  steamboat  landing,  also  but  one 
block  from  banks  and  telegraph  office,  etc. 
These  rooms  will  be  found  to  be  by  far  the  finest 
in  the  city,  and  as  the  terms  are  most  reasonable, 
visitors  to  Bridgeport  can  find  homelike  and 
first  class  accommodations  without  paying  exor- 
bitant hotel  rates. 

Mr.  Chatfield  is  a  gentleman  who  thoroughly 
understands  the  wants  of  the  public,  and  takes 
great  pride  in  catering  to  them  in  a  satisfactory 
manner. 

We  commend  this  enterprise  to  all  our  numer- 
ous readers  at  home  and  abroad,  and  feel  confi- 
dent in  asserting  that  an  enterprise  of  so  recent 
an  origin  which  has  become  so  popular  can 
not  fail  to  be  appreciated  by  the  community  at 
laree. 


96 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


J.  F.  Brady,  Dealer  in  Stoves,  Ranges.  Fur- 
naces, etc  ,  839  Main  Street. — As  the  healthful- 
ness  and  comfort  of  our  homes  depend  in  a  great 
measure  on  the  stoves  or  furnaces  with  which 
they  are  furnished,  it  is  obvious  that  we  cannot 
be  too  careful  in  our  choice  of  these  articles. 
The  market  is  flooded  with  goods  of  this  nature, 
and  the  difficulty  is  to  choose  from  amidst  the 
great  variety  offered.  As  it  is  clearly  impossible 
for  all  of  us  to  be  sufficiently  expert  to  distinguish 
the  true  from  the  false,  our  best  course  is  to  go 
to  some  reputable  dealer,  and  be  guided  by  his 
judgment. 

A  popular  and  successful  house  handling  stoves, 
ranges,  furnaces,  etc.,  in  the  city  is  that  of  Mr. 
J.  F.  Brady,  located  at  No.  839  Main  street.  This 
gentleman  began  business  in  1876,  and  has  built 
up  a  large  trade  by  his  ability  and  industry.  His 
store  is  40x25  feet,  and  contains  a  fine  and  varied 
stock  of  stoves  and  stove  goods,  which  are  offered 
at  the  lowest  rates. 

Six  assistants  are  employed,  and  particular 
attention  is  paid  to  plumbing,  roofing,  etc.  All 
orders  of  this  kind  will  receive  prompt  and  care- 
ful attention,  and  will  be  executed  in  the  most 
workmanlike  fashion. 

M.  T.  Feeley,  Groceries  and  Provisions,  218 
East  Main  Street,  East  Bridgeport. — In  looking 
over  the  retail  trade  of  East  Bridgeport,  we  find 
that  in  the  grocery  business  a  signal  success  has 
been  achieved,  and  that  the  annual  increase  has 
grown  to  proportions,  which  should  be  fully 
recognized.  Of  the  many  houses  which  have 
made  themselves  prominent  in  the  trade,  wewish 
to  call  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  the  one 
conducted  by  Mr.  M.  T.  Feeley,  who  lias  suc- 
ceeded in  building  up  a  flourishing  retail  trade. 
The  premises  comprise  a  fine,  large  store  25x80 


in  size,  located  at  No.  218  East 
Main  street.  The  stock  carried 
includes  everything  in  the 
staple  and  fancy  grocery  line, 
among  which  will  be  found 
the  best  brands  of  choice 
liquors,  flour,  teas,  coffees, 
spices,  sugar,  etc.,  also  a  fine 
variety  of  fresh  provisions  of 
all  kinds  at  the  most  reason- 
able prices.  Mr.  Feeley  em- 
ploys several  assistants,  who 
are  prompt  in  their  attention 
to  the  business  and  courteous 
and  polite  to  every  customer, 
and  all  orders  are  promptly 
filled,  and  goods  are  delivered 
to  all  parts  of  the  city. 

Mr.  Feeley  Avas  fully  aware 
of  the  over-abundance  of  com- 
mon liquors  and  wines,  but  saw 
the  necessity  and   demand  for 
pure  goods  in  the  community; 
consequently,    ten    years    ago, 
he  commenced    their  sale  and 
has  used  every  effort  to  furnish 
pure  liquors   and  wines.      He 
nowT  feels  compensated  with  his 
reputation  of  having  the  purest 
and  largest  stock  of  wines  and 
liquors  of  any  retail  dealer  in 
the  city. 
Mr.  Feeley  is  thoroughly  capable  and  enter- 
prising,   possessing    in  every  respect   first-class 
facilities.      He  is  naturally  and  justly  accorded 
the  greatest  esteem  throughout  the  community. 


Henry  Reitter,  Bull's  Head  Market,  Dealer 
in  Meat,  Fish,  Fruit  and  Vegetables,  816  Main 
Street. — We  cannot  well  complete  a  list  of  the 
industries  of  Bridgeport  without  calling  attention 
to  those  houses  furnishing  the  various  products 
of  the  market.  A  leading  house  in  the  meat  and 
produce  business  is  that  of  Mr.  Henry  Reitter, 
whose  market  is  located  at  816  Main  street. 

This  market  was  established  in  1878,  by 
Messrs.  Lewis  &  Terry,  who  were  succeeded  by 
the  present  proprietor  in  1881. 

The  premises  occupied  are  spacious,  and  well 
arranged  for  the  business,  being  20x45  feet  in 
dimensions,  and  supplied  with  cold  storage  rooms 
for  the  preservation  of  their  stock,  which  em- 
braces everything  in  the  meat,  fish,  fruit  and 
vegetable  line. 

The  extent  of  this  retail  trade  necessitates  the 
emp'oyment  of  twTo  reliable  clerks.  Mr.  Reitter, 
who  is  a  pradical  man  of  business,  devotes  close 
attention  to  the  purchasing  of  his  varied  stock  of 
goods,  as  well  as  to  all  the  other  details,  and 
patrons  are  assured  that  their  orders  will  receive 
prompt  attention  and  be  delivered  to  all  parts  of 
the  city. 

Mr.  Reitter  has  long  been  connected  with  the 
trade,  and  is  so  well  known  in  this  city  that  any 
further  remarks  would  be  superfluous. 

All  we  can  say  in  conclusion  is,  that  every- 
thing undertaken  by  him  will  be  carried  out  on 
fair  business  principles,  satisfactorily  to  all  con- 
cerned. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


97 


George  F.  Cook,  Park  City  Stables,  Kossuth 
Street,  near  Lower  Bridge— Perhaps  the  best 
known  and  most  reliable  livery  stable  in  East 
Bridgeport  is  that  of  the  above-named  establish- 
ment, at  least  we  are  justified  in  saying  that  no- 
where in  Bridgeport  can  better  turnouts  be  pro- 
cured or  at  more  reasonable  prices. 

These  stables  were  established  in  1880  by  the 
present  proprietor,  Mr.  George  F.  Cook,  and 
are  known  as  the  Park  City  Stables.  They  are 
located  on  Kossuth  street,  near  Lower  Bridge; 
the  premises  occupied  consist  of  a  two-story 
frame  stable,  covering  an  area  of  00x108  feet, 
which  are  nicely  fitted  up  and  arranged  with 
every  facility  for  the  comfort  of  horses  while 
under  the  care  of  this  establishment.  The  stalls 
are  well  ventilated,  and  the  stable  is  light  and 
airy  and  has  a  capacity  for  fifty  horses;  employ- 
ment is  given  to  ten  thoroughly  capable  assistants, 
and  the  management  of  this  stable  is  most  efficient. 
A  special  feature  of  the  business  is  the  sale  of 
horses,  carnages  and  harness.  Mr.  Cook,  who 
has  had  long  experience  in  the  business,  makes 
a  specialty  of  saddle  horses,  also  of  ladies'  driving 
and  riding  horses.  He  is  also  prepared  to  furnish 
coupes,  phaetons,  and  all  kinds  of  light  carriages 
at  short  notice  and  at  very  reasonable  prices.  He 
has  lately  added  an  elegant  six-seated  carriage.  Mr. 
Cook  gives  his  personal  attention  to  furnishing 
coaches  for  weddings  and  funerals.  He  is  a 
native  of  England,  but  has  resided  in  the  United 
States  for  many  years,  serving  as  wagon  master 
four  years  in  the  United  States  Army  during  the 
late  war. 

We  do  not  exaggerate  when  we  state  that  his 
stables  are  the  largest,  finest  and  most  popular 
in  this  section  of  the  city. 

Robert  J.  Veit,  Grocer,  6  Crescent  Place,  East 
Bridgeport. — Every  locality  of  any  magnitude 
affords  some  enterprising  concern  prepared  to 
conduct  the  grocery  and  provision  business  on  a 
scale  and  in  a  manner  that  will  insure  customers 
fresh  and  first-class  goods  in  large  variety  and  at 
reasonable  prices. 

We  must  eat  to  live;  and  when  we  consider 
fifty  millions  of  people  must  be  fed,  one  can 
hardly  imagine  the  stupendous  void  that  must 
follow  the  annual  consumption  of  groceries. 

In  this  connection,  the  house  of  Mr.  Robert  J. 
Veit,  located  at  No.  6  Crescent  place,  East 
Bridgeport,  ranks  as  among  the  most  enterprising 
in  this  part  of  the  city. 

He  is  the  proprietor  of  a  commodious  store 
20x40  and  30x40  feet  in  dimensions;  this  is  filled 
with  choice  family  groceries  of  all  kinds,  pro- 
visions, fruits  and  vegetables  in  their  season; 
fine  grades  of  teas,  coffee«,  spices,  canned 
goods,  sugars,  syrups,  flour,  cheese,  butter  and 
all  staples  of  the  trade  are  to  be  found  in  the 
stock,  and  all  fresh  and  desirable. 

The  business  was  established  three  years  ago 
by  Mr.  Veit,  whose  energy  and  tact  shown  in 
the  management  has  resulted  in  well  merited 
success.  He  employs  two  capable  and  attentive 
assistants,  and  all  orders  are  promptly  filled  and 
delivered. 

A  full  stock  of  wines,  liquors,  ale,  beer,  etc., 
is  also  carried,  the  purity  of  which  is  unexcelled 
by  any  in  the  city.  A  fine  sample  room  is  in  the 
rear  of  the  store. 


Joseph  H.  Lutz,  City  Pharmacy,  36  Wall 
Street. — A  reference  to  the  drug  trade  of  Bridge- 
port suggests  at  once  the  popular  and  well  ap- 
pointed establishment  known  as  the  "  City 
Pharmacy,"  which  was  founded  some  ten  years 
ago  by  Peck  &  Banks,  and  which  has  been,  since 
December,  1886,  under  the  able  management  of 
Mr.  Joseph  H.  Lutz.  The  premises  occupied, 
which  are  located  at  No.  36  Wall  street,  comprise 
a  fine  store  20x80  feet  in  dimensions,  and  admir- 
ably adapted  and  equipped  with  all  the  most 
modern  improvements  for  the  advancement  of 
the  extensive  business  as  well  as  the  comfort  of 
its  many  patrons.  Mr.  Lutz  employs  attentive 
and  competent  assistants,  and  all  orders  are  faith- 
fully filled,  prescriptions  accurately  com-  ounded 
and  satisfaction  guaranteed  as  to  prices,  etc.  A 
large  and  very  attractive  display  is  made  of  fancy 
and  toilet  articles,  perfumery,  etc.,  usuai.y  found 
in  a  first-class  establishment  of  the  kind,  besides 
a  full  stock  of  pure  drugs,  medicines,  patent 
medicines,  etc.  Mr.  Lutz  is  a  native  of  Bridge- 
port, and  is  a  gentleman  full  of  energy  and 
ability  as  well  as  a  thorough  and  practical  knowl- 
edge of  the  business.  Mr.  Lutz  was  formerly 
with  Lewis  W.  Booth.  And,  in  conclusion,  we 
would  say  he  is  fully  entitled  to  the  confidence, 
consideration  and  esteem  of  the  public,  which 
he  enjoys  in  a  marked  degree. 

John  G.  Howland,  (Successor  to  Geo.  H. 
Couch),  Dealer  in  Fine  Shoes,  No.  405  Main 
Street. — A  careful  review  of  the  immense  manu- 
facturing and  jobbing  interests  of  Bridgeport 
develops  the  existence  of  a  class  of  houses  in 
every  respect  prepared  to  compete  in  the  several 
lines  they  represent  with  the  rival  establish- 
ments ot  any  city.  Their  magnitude,  ample 
resources,  high  commercial  standing,  and  re- 
markable enterprise  are  matters  of  which  Bridge- 
port has  every  reason  to  be  pioud.  It  is  our 
mission  to  show  to  the  outside  world  what  this 
city  produces;  what  it  has  to  sell;  the  advan- 
tages possessed  by  her  over  many  others  as  a 
seat  of  manufacture,  and  the  attractions  she 
offers  to  capital  for  permanent  investment  and  to 
the  trade  as  a  purchasing  center. 

In  the  especial  branch  of  the  shoe  business  the 
house  of  Mr.  JohnG.  Howland  must  be  accorded 
by  the  casual  observer  a  foremost  position.  This 
establishment  was  first  founded  by  Mr.  Geo.  H. 
Couch,  but  has  been  under  the  present  able 
management  for  some  time. 

Extensive  premises  are  utilized  at  the  above 
address,  which  may  justly  be  said  to  be  one  of 
the  best  appointed  shoe  stores  in  this  city.  The 
energies  of  this  house  are  devoted  to  the  retail 
trade  of  fine  boots  and  shoes,  of  which  is  carried 
the  finest  and  most  complete  stock  to  be  found 
in  the  city. 

Mr.  Howland  is  a  gentleman  too  well  known 
in  this  community  and  to  the  trade  to  require 
from  us  any  personalities.  Suffice  it  for  us  to 
say  that  his  long  experience  in  the  business  has 
given  him  a  keen  knowledge  of  what  is  demand- 
ed in  the  trade,  and  he  is  able  to  offer  induce- 
ments to  patrons  seldom  if  ever  excelled. 

Mr.  Howland  is  the  exclusive  agent  for  Bridge- 
port of  the  celebrated  C.  &  T.  Cousins  ladies' 
fine  shoes,  and  several  other  popular  manufac- 
turers' goods. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


I\ 


Lieberum  Brothers,  Manufacturers  of  and 
Dealers  in  Furniture,  Mattresses,  Spring  Beds, 
etc.,  also  Sole  Agents  for  the  Standard  Folding 
Bed  Company,  of  New  York,  315  and  317  Water, 
corner  State  Street. — Every  branch  of  wood 
working  has  experienced  to  a  wonderful  degree 
the  impetus  given  to  productions  by  the  perfec- 
tion of  mechanical  aids  within  recent  years,  and 
especially  so  in  the  manufacture  of  fine  furniture. 
Of  late  years  many  houses  in  this  line  havegrown 
to  large  proportions,  and  among  such  must  be 
mentioned  that  of  Lieberum  Brothers,  manufac- 
turers and  dealers  in  furniture.  This  establish- 
ment was  founded  in  1865  by  its  present  pro- 
prietors, Messrs.  William  and  August  Lieberum. 

This  house  which  bears  the  marks  of  enterprise 
and  judicious  management,  exercises  an  influence 
that  extends  far  beyond  the  limits  of  the  city,  its 
trade  extending  throughout  the  entire  State. 

The  manufacturing  plant  covers  an  area  of 
three  floors,  each  80x120  feet  in  dimensions, 
located  at  315  and  317  Water,  corner  of  State 
street,  which  is  equipped  with  all  the  necessary 
and  improved  machinery.  Here  a  large  and 
varied  stock  of  fine  furniture  is  manufactured, 
consisting  of  parlor  and  chamber  furniture,  sofas, 
chairs,  tables,  mattresses,  spring  beds,  etc.  They 
also  do  a  large  business  in  all  kinds  of  upholstery 
work. 

This  business,  which  is  the  largest  of  its  kind 
in  this  city,  requires  the  employment  of  twelve 
thoroughly  experienced  hands. 

Messrs.  William  and  August  Lieberum  are 
natives  of  Germany,  both  well  and  favorably 
known  in  this  city.  Mr.  William  Lieberum  is  a 
member  of  the  Board  of   Police  Commissioners. 

Sea  View  Hotel,  Sea-Side  Park,  Geo.  Humis- 
ton,  Proprietor. — All  visitors  to  this  city  are 
impressed  by  its  beautiful  Sea-Side  Park,  and 
should  they  visit  it  in  the  season,  one  of  the  first 
places  to  attract  their  eye  is  the  Sea  View  Hotel, 
located  at  its  principal  entrance.  Mr.  George 
Humiston,  the  genial  proprietor,  opened  this 
house  to  the  public  in  1880,  and  has  since  de- 
voted his  energies  to  making  it  a  great  success — 
so  we]]  has  he  succeeded  that  his  reputation  for 
providing  clam  hakes  and  fish  dinners  has  few 
equals  in  this  vicinity.  He  occupies  for  business 
purposes  two  stories  100x125  feet  in  dimensions, 
arranged  in  a  neat  and  attractive  manner  for  his 
peculiar  line  of  trade.  Parties  or  picnics  are  en- 
tertained here  in  a  first  class  manner  and  at  rea- 
sonable rates.  A  pavillion  is  attached  to  the 
hotel    lor  dancing,  and  they  have  also  a  fine  pier 


where  boats  may  be  hired,  besides  some  ninety 
bathing  houses.  Several  assistants  are  employed 
and  everything  is  done  for  the  comfort  of  the 
guests  of  this  house.  Mr.  Humiston  is  a  native 
of  this  city,  and  personally  is  too  well  and  favor- 
ably known  for  any  remarks  at  our  hands,  but 
in  regard  to  his  enterprise,  we  would  say  that  a 
visit  to  his  hotel  cannot  fail  of  giving  pleasure  to 
all,  and  we  feel  assured  that  they  will  meet  with 
polite  and  attentive  treatment,  and  feel  amply 
repaid  for  their  trip. 

J.  Huber,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Dealer  in 
Confectionery  and  Ice  Cream,  41  Wall  Street.— 
There  are  few  residents  in  Bridgeport  who  are 
not  more  or  less  familiar  with  the  establishment 
of  J.  Huber,  which  for  many  years  has  been 
prominently  before  the  public  as  headquarters 
for  confectioneiy  and  ice  cream.  This  house 
was  founded  by  J.  F.  Freiler,  who  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1882  by  the  present  proprietor,  Mr.  J. 
Huber.  The  premises  occupied  for  the  transac- 
tion of  this  business  are  located  at  41  Wall  street, 
and  cover  an  area  of  25x70  feet  in  dimensions, 
comprising  a  very  attractive  store  with  an  ele- 
gant ice  cream  parlor  in  the  rear.  The  energies 
of  this  house  are  devoted  to  the  wholesale  and 
retail  trade  in  confectionery  of  all  kinds,  and  ice 
cream,  of  which  they  handle  only  the  finest 
grades.  Employment  is  given  to  two  thoroughly 
skilled  and  experienced  assistants,  and  all  orders 
are  promptly  filled  and  ice  cream  delivered  to 
any  part  of  the  city.  In  all  departments  of  this 
business  there  is  noticeably  a  marked  orderly 
and  systematic  method  for  the  proper  and  correct 
conduct  of  each  operation  of  the  work,  thereby 
ensuring  a  uniformly  first-class  product.  Mr. 
Huber  is  a  native  of  Germany,  and  is  proficient 
in  the  confectionery  business. 

Wolfram  &  Co.,  Dealers  in  Fine  Groceries, 
Canned  Goods,  Liquors,  Cigars,  etc.,  No.  145 
Main  Street. — The  commercial  advantages  of 
Bridgeport  have  brought  men  of  enterprise  and 
capital  to  establish  themselves  in  our  midst,  and 
nearly  every  branch  of  industry  is  carried  on 
here  vigorously.  Messrs.  Wolfram  &  Co.,  located 
at  145  to  151  Main  street,  are  among  the  promi- 
nent dealers  in  fine  groceries,  liquors,  canned 
goods,  etc.  These  gentlemen  began  business 
here  in  187(i,  and  have  conducted  it  upon  such 
liberal  and  just  principles  that  a  large  and  in- 
creasing trade  has  grownup,  and  they  rank  to- 
day as  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  popular 
houses  in   this  city   in  the  grocery  and   liquor 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


99 


trade.  They  have  ample  accommodations  for 
their  large  retail  business,  their  store  and  sample 
room  occupy  a  double  store  50x75  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, with  basement  of  same  size  for  storage. 
Their  premises  make  a  fine  appearance  and  are 
fitted  up  with  every  facility  requisite  for  the 
prosecution  of  tbe  business.  The  sample  room 
especially  being  the  finest  in  the  city.  Messrs. 
Wolfram  &  Co.  deal  in  the  finest  lines  of  liquors, 
cigars,  etc.,  and  are  sole  agents  in  Bridgeport  for 
the  celebrated  Johannis  Spring  of  Natural 
Mineral  Water. 

This  water  issues  from  a  very  deep  cleft  in  a 
rock,  the  water  bubbles  up  with  great  force  and 
is  as  clear  as  crystal;  is  highly  recommended 
in  cases  of  indigestion  and  loss  of  appetite.  For 
table  use  the  water  of  the  Johannisbrunnen  is 
equal  in  every  respect  to  the  well-known  waters 
Appolliuaris,  Niederselters,  etc.,  on  account  of 
the  large  proportion  of  carbonic  acid  contained 
in  it,  and  is  superior  to  most  other  mineral  waters 
on  account  of  its  very  agreeable  taste.  It  is  ex- 
cellent for  the  nerves,  and  makes  a  particularly 
good  drink  when  mixed  with  cognac  or  wine. 

The  business  is  under  the  personal  manage 
ment  of  the  firm,  assisted  by  two  very  capable 
clerks.  The  individual  members  are:  G.  J.  and 
T.  F.  Wolfram,  both  natives  of  Germany.  We 
would  advise  the  citizens  of  Bridgeport  to  seek 
business  acquaintance  with  Wolfram  &  Co.,  who 
can  offer  them  as  many  advantages  in  the  grocery 
trade  as  any  house  in  the  State. 

Dr.  A.  N.  Curtiss,  Room  6,  61  Fairfield  Ave- 
nue.— Prominent  among  the  dentists  of  Bridge- 
port is  Dr.  Curtiss,  who  is  one  of  the  most 
reliable  in  the  city,  and  although  he  has  been  in 
business  in  Bridgeport  but  a  short  time,  he  has 
had  ten  years  of  practical  experience  in  other 
places.  He  has  been  in  Thomaston,  Conn.,  for 
the  last  five  years. 

Dr.  Curtiss  is  located  at  61  Fairfield  avenue, 
where  can  be  found  the  best  light  for  operating 
in  the  city;  his  office  is  neat  and  well  fitted  up 
for  the  convenience  and  comfort  of  his  patrons; 
his  operating  room  is  supplied  with  all  the  modern 
conveniences  and  improved  appliances  for  the 
aid  of  his  profession;  all  that  skill  and  painstak- 
ing can  do,  assisted  by  the  best  facilities  in  the 
dental  art,  is  at  the  command  of  his  patients,  who 
are  assured  that  the  result  of  each  operation  will 
be  perfectly  satisfactory. 

Dr.  Curtiss'  harmless  method  of  extracting  and 
filling  teeth  without  pain  is  wonderful. 

Mechanical  dentistry  in  all  its  different  branches. 
Teeth  with  or  without  plates.  Crown  work  a 
specialty. 

In  conclusion,  he  will  assure  all  patrons  that 
they  will  be  treated  with  consideration,  and  that 
all  work  performed  by  him  will  give  perfect 
satisfaction. 

H.  Letterhaus,  Dealer  in  Beef,  Pork,  Lamb, 
Poultry,  etc.,  Vegetables  and  fruits  in  their  sea- 
son, Oysters  and  Clams,  corner  Broad  Street  and 
Railroad  Avenue.  —  As  a  representative  of  our 
reliableand  prosperous  mercantile  establishments, 
the  provision  house  of  Mr.  H.  Letterhaus  calls 
for  a  special  recognition  among  the  substantial 
and  enterprising  mercantile  institutions  of  Bridge- 
port.    This  house  was  established  by  its  present 


proprietor  in  1881,  and  during  the  comparatively 
short  time  since  its  inception,  has  built  up  a 
steadily  increasing  and  lucrative  trade.  The 
market  utilized  for  the  transaction  of  this  busi- 
ness is  located  at  the  corner  of  Broad  street  and 
Railroad  avenue,  and  covers  an  area  of  40x29 
feet,  and  is  nicely  fitted  up  with  every  facility 
for  the  handling  of  all  goods  and  the  preserva- 
tion of  perishable  articles,  and  presents  a  neat 
and  attractive  appearance,  and  we  assure  the 
residents  of  Bridgeport  that  they  will  always 
find  here  a  well  selected  stock  of  beef,  pork, 
lamb,  mutton,  veal,  ham,  sausages,  lard,  salt 
meats,  poultry,  vegetables  and  fruits,  in  their 
season,  also  oysters  and  clams,  canned  goods,  etc. 
The  retail  trade  of  this  house  requires  the  em- 
ployment of  two  reliable  and  experienced  clerks. 
Mr.  H.  Letterhaus  is  a  native  of  Germany, 
an  energetic,  popular  business  man. 

Wilson  F.  Green,  Sup.  Branch  Office  John 
Hancock  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Company, 61  Fair- 
field Avenue  (Warner's  Building). — As  Super- 
intendent of  the  John  Hancock  Mutual  Life 
Insurance  Company  for  Bridgeport,  Mr.  Wilson 
F.  Green  is  conducting  a  large  business  in  this 
city,  with  his  office  located  at  No.  61  Fairfield 
avenue.  This  well  known  and  reliable  company 
in  its  efforts  to  bring  into  notice  the  prudential 
feature  of  insurance,  has  for  years  directed  the 
energies  of  some  of  its  most  zealous  and  capable 
representatives  to  this  end.  In  thus  bringing 
within  reach  of  those  dependent  upon  their  daily 
labor  for  their  daily  bread  the  means  to  provide 
a  fund  for  burial  and  the  means  of  subsistence 
for  those  dependent  upon  them,  the  John  Han- 
cock has  accomplished  a  beneficent  mission. 
Ably  representing  the  prudential  department  of 
this  company  in  this  field,  Mr  Green  has  done 
much  to  make  known  the  great  benefits  of  this 
plan,  and  to  popularize  it  with  the  wTage-workers 
of  this  section.  He  is  prompt,  reliable  and  ac- 
curate in  the  dispatch  of  business,  and  through 
him  losses  are  adjusted  with  promptness. 

Mr.  Green  is  a  Connecticut  man  by  birth,  and 
has  firmly  established  himself  in  general  confi- 
dence as  a  business  man  and  citizen. 

M.  Klein  &  Brother,  Manufacturers  and 
Dealers  of  The  Star  Nickel  Plated  Steel  Crochet 
Needles,  Macrame,  Shoe  and  Glove  Hooks, 
Table  and  Pocket  Cutlery,  No.  360  Main  Street. 
— An  old-established  and  well  known  manufac- 
turing concern  of  this  city  is  that  of  M.  Klein  & 
Brother,  doing  business  at  No.  360  Main  street. 

These  gentlemen  inaugurated  business  in  1854, 
being  engaged  at  first  in  the  millinery  and  fancy 
goods  trade.  This  they  carried  on  up  to  1885, 
when  they  commenced  the  industry  with  which 
they  are  at  present  identified,  the  manufacture  of 
the  well-known  Star  Nickel-Plated  Steel  Crochet 
Needles,  Macrame,  Shoe  and  Glove  Hooks,  etc. 
The  firm  carries  on  a  wholesale  business  in  these 
goods  as  well  as  in  table  and  pocket  cutlery,  etc., 
and  is  well  known  to  jobbers  and  the  trade  in 
general  for  the  desirable  quality  of  the  articles 
which  they  handle  and  the  extremely  low  prices 
at  which  they  are  offered.  The  firm  is  made  up 
of  Messrs.  M.  Klein  and  B.  Klein,  both  of  these 
gentlemen  being  natives  of  Germany.  They  are 
well  known  and  respected  citizens. 


100 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Walter  Nichols,  Real  Estate  and  Loan  Broker, 
Warner  Building,  Corner  Fairfield  Avenue  and 
Middle  Street. — Anions:  the  various  commercial 
and  mercantile  industries  that  assist  in  making 
Bridgeport  what  it  is,  there  is  none  of  more  im- 
portance to  the  community  than  real  estate  and 
money  brokerage  business.  It  is  a  business  re- 
quiring energy,  industry  and  sound  principles. 
One  of  the  most  successful  agencies  in  this  city 
is  that  of  Mr.  Walter  Nichols,  whose  eminent 
fitness  for  its  several  branches  has  gained  for 
him  an  extensive  business.  The  buying  and 
selling  of  real  estate  the  loaning  of  money  and  auc- 
tioneering are  among  the  main  characteristics  of 
this  business.  He  is  also  the  agent  for  the  extensive 
real  estate  interests  of  Dr.  Warner.  Mr.  Nichols' 
success  fully  attests  his  proficiency  and  populari- 
ty and  establishing  his  reputation  for  integrity 
and  honorable  dealing.  As  a  gentleman  he  is  ac- 
corded a  high  position  in  commercial  circles. 

He  established  his  business  four  years  ago  and 
occupies  a  very  attractive  office  in  the  Warner 
building,  corner  of  Fairfield  avenue  and  Middle 
street.  Mr.  Nichols  is  president  of  the  Common 
Council.  He  is  a  gentleman  highly  esteemed  by 
all  who  know  him  and  fully  deserves  the  success 
he  has  attained. 

Farini,  Photographer,  61  Fairfield  Avenue. — 
From  earliest  childhood  the  career  of  Mr.  L. 
Farini,  the  leading  photographic  artist  of  Bridge- 
port, has  been  most  remarkable  and  his  experi- 
ence would  serve  as  the  basis  of  a  most  interesting 
and  wonderful  romance. 

Mr.  Farini  was  adopted  in  infancy  by  the  man 
whose  name  he  bears,  who  resided  in  England. 
Mr.  Farini  was  famous  as  the  original  Lulu, 
who  was  shot  from  a  catapult,  and  who,  after 
arriving  at  maturity  was  exhibited  to  astonished 
multitudes  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  as  the  won- 
der of  the  age,  and  for  many  years  his  sex 
was  undiscovered,  although,  perhaps,  suspected. 
Assuming  the  attire  of  a  man  after  having  relin- 
quished business  as  a  human  projectile,  Mr.  Far- 
ini took  up  the  study  of  photography  and  be- 
came a  master  artist.  He  traveled  to  all  parts  of 
the  world,  taking  views  of  scenes  in  all  quarters 
of  the  globe,  and  coming  to  this  country  a  few 
months  ago,  he  established  himself  in  business  in 
this  city. 

His  art  rooms  and  studio  at  61  Fairfield  ave- 
nue are  models  of  completeness  in  their  appoint- 
ments, and  a  visit  to  the  establishment  is  fraught 
with  the  liveliest  interest.  Here  are  found  views 
taken  in  Central  Africa  and  other  parts  of  the 
world,  often  at  fearful  risk. 

Mr.  Farini  is  a  refined  and  cultured  gentleman 
and  a  business  man  of  sterling  worth,  energetic, 
prompt  and  reliable. 

A  specialty  is  made  of  first-class  pictures,  from 
the  very  smallest  to  the  largest.  Life-size  work 
is  made  which  is  equal  in  all  respects  to  the  finest 
crayon  potraits. 

Coe  &  White,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Grocers, 
560  and  562  Main  Street.— The  city  of  Bridgeport 
is  not  behind  her  sister  cities  in  the  extent  and 
character  of  her  wholesale  and  retail  grocery 
trade,  and  the  enterprise  which  characterizes  her 
representative  firms  in  this  branch  of  commerce 
is  not  surpassed   in   any  other  American   city. 


The  well  known  and  reliable  house  of  Messrs. 
Coe  &  White,  established  in  1873,  has  for  a 
period  of  fourteen  years  occupied  a  prominent 
position  in  the  trade.  This  house  was  first  es- 
tablished by  Mr.  Charles  P.  Coe,  and  in  1885 
Mr.  J.  H.  White  was  admitted  to  the  firm,  which 
has  since  borne  the  title  of  Coe  &  White.  The 
premises  utilized  cover  an  area  of  80x50  feet,  and 
consist  of  a  store  and  basement,  affording  ample 
convenience  for  the  accommodation  of  a  large 
stock  and  the  demands  of  their  growing  trade. 
Every  modern  appliance  for  facilitating  the 
handling  of  goods  with  despatch  is  brouabt  into 
requisition.  Employment  is  given  to  eight  capa- 
ble clerks,  and  orders  invariably  meet  with 
prompt  attention. 

The  firm  carries  a  general  line  of  staple  and 
fancy  groceries.  The  individual  members  of  the 
firm,  Messrs.  Charles  P.  Coe  and  J.  H.  White, 
are  both  natives  of  Madison,  and  prominent^ 
identified  with  the  commercial  prosperity  of 
Bridgeport,  and  are  numbered  among  the  most 
substantial  and  public-spirited  citizens  of  this 
community  Mr.  Coe  is  the  senior  partner  of 
Coe  &  Field,  of  422  State  street,  New  Haven. 

Henry  Setzer,  Jr.,  People's  Market,  Wholesale 
and  Retail,  313  Main  Street. — The  provision 
trade  of  Bridgeport  is  yearly  assuming  greater 
proportions,  and  she  can  boast  of  as  many  large 
and  enterprising  firms  in  this  line  as  any  city  in 
the  State. 

Among  them  and  one  which  has  exhibited 
marked  ability  in  this  direction,  is  Mr.  Henry 
Setzer,  Jr.,  proprietor  of  the  People's  Market, 
which  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Setzer  established  his  business  in  1879,  and 
during  the  eight  years  of  its  existence  has  built 
up  an  extensive  trade,  wtiich  is  both  wholesale 
and  retail;  the  extent  of  this  business  gives  em- 
ployment to  six  capable  clerks.  The  market  is 
eligibly  located  and  very  convenient  for  the  trade, 
being  located  at  313  Main  st  It  is  24x90  feet  in 
size,  and  is  well  stocked  with  an  elegant  supply 
of  meats,  canned  goods,  table  delicacies,  game, 
etc.,  etc.  This  market  is  very  neat  and  attractive 
and  goods  are  arranged  in  the  most  inviting 
manner.  Mr.  Setzer  enjoys  a  large  retail  trade 
from  among  the  best  citizens  of  Bridgeport.  This 
is  due  in  part  to  the  superiority  of  the  goods  car- 
ried and  in  part  to  the  prompt  filling  and  de- 
livery of  all  orders  placed  here,  as  well  as  the 
courteous  treatment  given  to  patrons. 

Mr.  Setzer  is  an  native  of  New  York,  an 
honorable  and  enterprising  business  manager, 
and  it  is  with  full  confidence  that  we  commend  him 
to  the  favorable  notice  of  all  who  read  this  review. 

Alexander  Reid,  Dealer  in  Choice  Groceries, 
Produce  B night,  Flour  a  Specialty  No.  476  Main 
Street. — Probably  one  of  the  oldest  and  best 
known  establishments  in  the  city  devoted  to  the 
grocery  business  is  that  of  Alexander  Reid.  It 
affords  us  no  little  pleasure  in  recording  the  vari- 
ous industries  of  Bridgeport  to  mention  those 
firms  or  individuals  in  any  branch  of  trade  who 
have  achieved  prominent  positions  through  the 
force  of  natural  ability  unaided  by  any  influence 
except  those  exerted  by  their  own  ability  and 
industry. 

As   for   instance,    the   one    above    mentioned 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


101 


which  was  established  in  1858  by  its  present  pro- 
prietor, and  by  energy,  enterprise  and  close  at- 
tention to  business  he  has  largely  increased  it 
with  each  succeeding  year,  and  to-day  it  is  one  of 
the  oldest  houses  in  this  branch  of  business  in 
the  city.  The  premises  are  commodious  and 
well  fitted  up  for  the  business  and  cover  an  area 
of  24x50  feet,  being  well  stocked  with  a  full  line 
of  staple  and  fancy  groceries. 

The  store  is  located  at  476  Main  street  and  is 
neat  and  attractive  in  appearance  and  everything 
sold  by  this  old  and  time  honored  establishment 
are  at  prices  which  defy  competition  and  such  as 
will  please  the  most  careful  buyers. 

Mr.  Reid  has  the  assistance  of  thoroughly  com- 
petent and  reliable  clerks  who  are  conversant 
with  all  the  details  of  this  long  established  re- 
tail business. 

Mr.  Reid  is  a  native  of  Scotland  and  a  gentle- 
man whose  standing  and  reputation  may  be  re- 
garded of  the  highest  character. 

John  F.  Noble,  Real  Estate  and  Insurance, 
468  Main  Street. — One  of  the  most  enterprising 
and  energetic  <-eal  estate  and  insurance  agents  in 
this  city  is  Mr.  John  F.  Noble,  whose  office  is 
at  No.  468  Main  street.  This  gentleman  began 
his  present  business  some  five  years  ago,  and  has 
worked  his  way  up  to  his  present  position  by 
sheer  force  of  energy  and  perseverance.  He  is 
an  authority  on  real  estate  in  Bridgeport  and 
vicinitjr,  and  has  control  of  the  leasing  and  sale 
of  many  highly  desirable  pieces  of  property.  In 
his  office  may  be  found  very  complete  lists  of 
such  city  property  as  is  in  the  market  to  rent  or 
sell,  and  many  weiry  steps  and  much  annoyance 
may  be  saved  by  those  who  are  engaged  in  that 
absorbing  but  not  particularly  exciting  or  agree- 
able form  of  sport  known  as  "  house-hunting," 
if  they  will  give  Mr.  Noble  a  call  and  make  their 
wishes  known.  He  has  also  excellent  facilities 
for  placing  large  lines  of  insurance  in  the 
soundest  companies  at  lowest  rates,  among  which 
we  would  mention  the  Merchants  and  the 
Greenwich  Insurance  Company  of  New  York, 
both  of  which  has  been  uninterruptedly  and  suc- 
cessfully in  business  for  upwards  of  50  years. 
The  Greenwich  was  incorporated  under  the  laws 
'•of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  on  the  1st  of 
January,  1887,  had  a  sworn  surplus  as  regards 
policy  holders  of  $665,811.24.  Probably  there  is 
no  sounder  institution  of  the  kind  in  the  country, 
and  as  its  premium  rates  are  low  and  its  insur 
ance  sure  in  deed  as  in  name,  it  is  not  surprising 
that  Mr.  Noble  has  issued  many  policies  during 
his  connection  with  the  company. 

Coughlin  Bros.,  Dealers  in  Wall  Papers  of 
Superior  Quality  and  Artistic  Design,  Paints, 
Oils,  Varnish,  459  Main  Street. — A  leading  mer- 
cantile house  in  Bridgeport  and  one  which  has 
long  commanded  the  confidence  and  erijoyed  the 
patronage  of  the  public,  is  that  of  Messrs. 
Coughlin  Brothers,  dealers  in  wall  papers,  paints, 
oils,  etc.,  No.  459  Main  street. 

The  business  was  established  twenty  }rears  ago 
by  the  Messrs.  Coughlin,  and  since  the  death  of 
his  partners  it  has  been  conducted  with  gratify- 
ing success  by  the  sole  surviving  partner,  Mr. 
Patrick  Coughlin,  under  the  old  firm  name. 

The  premises   occupied  by   the  firm  are  large 


and  attractive,  and  the  stock  of  merchandise  is 
always  complete  and  sufficiently  varied  to  meet 
all  requirements.  The  wall  papers  include 
every  stylish,  desirable  and  artistic  design  and 
patterns  of  superior  quality,  and  the  best  paints, 
oils,  and  varnishes  in  the  market,  and  prices  are 
uniformly  the  lowest  in  the  city,  quality  being 
considered. 

Mr.  Coughlin  employs  a  force  of  from  twenty 
to  thirty  five  skilled  painters  and  paper  hangers 
in  his  business,  and  has  every  facility  for  execut- 
ing all  kinds  of  house  decorating  in  the  most 
tasteful  and  satisfactory  manner,  with  dispatch, 
and  the  reputation  of  the  old  house  is  a  sufficient 
guarantee  of  first-class  and  reliable  work. 

Mr.  Coughlin  is  a  thoroughly  energetic  and 
responsible  business  man,  and  enjoys  the  univer- 
sal confidence  of  patrons  and  the  general  public. 

Goodsell,  McNeil  &  Co.,  General  Insurance 
Agents,  450  Main  Street. — This  reliable  insurance 
firm  have  for  ten  years  past  conducted  the  gen- 
eral agency  established  in  1857  b3r  Mr.  E.  B. 
Goodsell,  and  from  the  beginning  the  concern 
has  deservedly  enjoyed  a  large  share  of  patronage. 

The  offices  of  Messrs.  Goodsell,  McNeil  &  Co. 
are  located  at  450  Main  street,  and  representing 
many  of  the  old  and  reliable  insurance  companies 
of  the  country,  the  firm  have  every  facility  for 
their  large  and  steadily  growing  business. 

They  represent  eighteen  of  the  strongest  and 
most  reliable  companies  of  America  and  Great 
Britain,  and  in  any  or  all  of  these  time  tried  and 
responsible  corporations,  the  firm  effect  insur- 
ance at  lowest  rates  of  premium.  Alwrays  zeal- 
ous in  protecting  the  interests  of  their  patrons, 
and  accurate  and  vigilant  in  all  their  engage- 
ments, these  sagacious  underwriters  have  firmly 
established  their  agency  in  general  confidence, 
and  are  steadily  extending  their  influence. 

Messrs.  N.  A.  McNeil  and  S  S.  Banks  com- 
prise this  well-known  firm.  They  are  both 
natives  of  Bridgeport,  and  are  recognized  among 
the  representative,  reliable  and  successful  busi- 
ness men  of  this  thriving,  progressive  city. 

R.  E.  Whittlesey,  Special  Traveling  Agent, 
Mutual  Benefit  Lite  Company,  Office  450  Main 
Street. — Of  all  the  plans  of  life  insurance  as  yet 
devised,  there  are  none  which  have  so  generally 
commended  themselves  to  more  general  favor 
than  that  conceived  and  adopted  by  the  Mutual 
Benefit  Life  Company  of  Hartford.  An  examina- 
tion of  the  plan  establishes  beyond  question  or 
cavil,  that,  on  the  co-operative  five-year  endow- 
ment plan  of  this  company,  a  man  at  average 
age  can,  at  ordinary  rates  of  premium,  secure  in- 
surance, and  if  he  survives  at  the  end  of  five 
years,  he  will  receive  back  in  cash  more  money 
than  he  has  paid,  and  thus  actually  securing  his 
insurance  for  nothing,  and  proving  it  to  be  the 
best  possible  investment. 

Mr.  R.  E.  Whittlesey,  who  has  his  office  at 
No.  450  Main  street,  Bridgeport,  has  for  nine 
years  been  connected  with  this  substantial  com- 
pany, and  has  been  eminently  successful  as 
special  traveling  agent.  He  is  a  native  of  this 
State,  and  has  a  wide  acquaintance  throughout 
this  section,  and  those  desiring  insurance  on  their 
lives  would  do  well  to  write  or  consult  him  as  to 
the  superior  advantages  offered  by  his  company. 


102 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BIUDGEPOBT. 


G.  C.  Hamilton,  Druggist,  273  East  Main 
Street.— Perhaps  one  of  the  most  important  busi- 
ness interests  necessary  to  the  good  health  and 
welfare  of  a  community,  is  that  of  the  druggist 
and  apothecary.  The  most  important  requisites 
for  the  successful  operation  of  this  profession  is  a 
complete  stock  in  each  department  and  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  the  business  in  all  its  branches, 
and  the  good  will  and  esteem  of  the  community 
wherein  the  business  is  established. 

Prominent  among  the  druggists  possessing 
these  requisites '  is  Mr.  G.  C.  Hamilton,  whose 
establishment  is  located  at  273  East  Main  street, 
where  he  has  been  located  tince  1885,  and  dur- 
ing that  time  he  has  built  up  a  reputation  for 
pure  drugs  and  medicines,  careful  compounding 
of  prescriptions  and  attention  to  the  wants  of 
his  patrons  that  has  resulted  in  an  annual!}'  in- 
creasing business. 

The  premises  occupied  consist  of  a  finely  ap- 
pointed store,  covering  an  area  of  18x50  feet, 
where  is  displayed  a  choice  assortment  of  drugs, 
medicines,  chemicals,  toilet  and  fancy  articles, 
and  in  connection  with  the  goods  already  men- 
tioned Mr.  Hamilton  deals  extensively  in  confec- 
tionery, of  which  he  has  a  choice  assortment 
constantly  on  hand. 

Mr.  G.  C.  Hamilton  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport, 
and  an  educated  pharmacist  of  twenty-three 
years  experience,  whose  intelligent  fulfilment  of 
all  orders  may  be  confidently  relied  upon. 

John  H.  Reid  &  Co.,  Jewelers,  340  Main 
Street,  United  Bank  Building. — Of  the  many 
jewelers  of  Bridgeport,  there  is  no  establishment 
which  bears  a  higher  character  among  the  people 
of  this  city,  for  honest,  fair  dealing  and  first- 
class  goods  than  that  of  John  H.  Reid  &  Co., 
which  is  located  at  340  Main  street. 

This  house  was  established  by  its  present  pro- 
prietor, Mr.  John  H.  Reid,  in  1883,  and  from  its 
inception  has  enjoyed  a  steadily  increasing  retail 
trade.  The  premises  comprise  a  fine  and  attrac- 
tive store,  which  contains  an  elegant  stock  of 
jewelry,  watches,  clocks,  silverware  and  optical 
goods.  The  proprietor  and  his  assistants  are 
courteous  and  attentive  to  all  patrons.  Mr. 
Reid  is  an  experienced  jeweler  and  gives  close 
personal  supervision  to  all  branches  of  his  estab- 
lishment. 

A  specialty  is  made  of  repairing  of  all  kinds, 
and  all  work  is  promptly  done  and  executed  in 
the  highest  style  of  the  art,  and  at  very  reason- 
able prices. 

Mr.  Reid  is  a  native  of  Brooklyn,  but  his  long 
residence  in  this  city,  his  genial  and  affable 
manner,  has  won  for  him  a  host  of  friends. 
These  qualities,  together  with  the  elegant  stock 
of  goods  carried,  combine  to  make  his  the  favor- 
ite establishment  of  this  line  of  trade  in  Bridge- 
port. 

George  E.  Cleveland,  Dealer  in  Groceries 
and  Meats,  202  State  Street. — Among  those 
houses  which  have  been  long  and  closely  identi- 
fied wilh  the  commercial  growth  of  this  city, 
that  of  George  E.  Cleveland  occupies  a  conspicu- 
ous position  in  which  it  bids  fair  to  continue. 

Mr.  Cleveland  established  his  grocery  and 
meat  business  in  1871,  and  is  now  the  proprietor 
of  one  of  the  most  attractive  and  complete  meat 


markets  in  Bridgeport.  The  premises  occupied 
for  the  transaction  of  the  business  comprise  a, 
finely  arranged  store,  24x60  feet  in  size,  located 
at  202  State  street,  where  a  complete  assortment 
of  choice  goods  maybe  found,  including  in  the 
grocery  department  the  best  brands  of  flour,  teas, 
coffees,  sugar,  spices,  etc.,  relishes  and  condi- 
ments. 

In  the  provision  department,  a  full  line  of 
meats,  etc.,  that  are  guaranteed  to  be  as  fresh 
and  pure  as  can  be  obtained  in  the  State.  The 
large  trade  of  this  house  necessitates  the  employ- 
ment of  three  clerks  who  are  thoroughly  con- 
versant with  the  bus-iness  in  all  its  branches. 

Mr.  Cleveland  is  a  native  of  New  York,  but 
his  long  residence  among  us  and  his  sixteen 
years  of  business  experience  has  gained  him  the 
confidence  and  highest  esteem  of  ihe  citizens  of 
Bridgeport.  He  is  an  efficient  manager  and 
much  is  due  to  his  energy  and  push  for  the 
enviable  reputation  his  house  has  attained  in 
this  city. 

Theodore  Fox,  Tin,  Sheet  Iron  and  Copper 
Worker,  and  Dealer  in  Heaters,  Furnaces,  etc., 
193  State  Street. — No  account  of  Bridgeport's 
industries  would  be  complete  without  contain- 
ing at  least  some  mention  of  the  enterprise  of 
Theo.  Fox  at  No.  193  State  street  which  must 
rank  with  any  of  its  contemporaries  in   the  city. 

This  house  was  founded  in  1881  by  Mr  Fox, 
whose  business  has  been  successfully  conducted 
for  the  past  six  years  and  whose  reputation 
has  been  so  well  established  as  to  place  it  among 
the  representative  houses  in  that  line  of  business. 
Mr.  Theodore  Fox  is  an  experienced  and  practi- 
cal tin,  sheet-iron  and  copper  worker,  all  orders 
being  neatly  and  promptly  executed  by  skilled 
hands  of  whom  five  are  employed.  He  is  also 
an  extensive  dealer  in  heaters,  furnaces  and 
plumbers'  supplies  of  all  kinds,  and  his  prices 
will  be  found  as  reasonable  as  any  dealer  in  the 
city. 

It  requires  a  store  18x50  feet  in  dimensions  to 
handle  the  varied  stock  carried.  A  large  local 
trade  is  done  which  is  annually  increasing.  Mr. 
Fox  is  a  practical  gentleman  capable  of  pleasing 
the  public  in  this  line  of  business,  and  the  suc- 
cess which  has  attended  it  has  been  as  well 
earned  as  it  is  richly  merited. 

E.  J.  Cram,  House  Furnishing  Goods,  New 
and  Second-Hand,  174  State  Street. — One  of  the 
most  necessary  lines  of  trade  engaged  in,  and  one 
whose  goods  are  in  constant  demand  is  that  of 
the  dealer  in  house  furnishing  goods.  One  of 
the  most  complete  establishments  of  this  kind  in 
Bridgeport  is  that  conducted  by  E.  ,1.  Cram, 
who  engaged  in  this  business  in  1882,  and  from 
the  inception  has  manifested  marked  business 
ability  and  has  been  successful  in  building  up  a 
prosperous  business,  which  necessitates  the  oc- 
cupancy of  a  large  double  store  covering  an  area 
of  40x60  feet  in  dimensions,  located  at  174  State 
street,  where  a  large  stock  of  new  and  second- 
hand furniture  many  be  found,  consisting  of 
every  description  of  house  furnishing  goods,  all 
styles  and  makes  of  furniture,  also  carpets,  bed- 
ding, etc. 

The  extent  of  this  business  requires  the  as- 
sistance of  three  courteous  and  competent  clerks.. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


103 


and  patrons  are  assured  of  receiving  prompt  gen- 
tlemanly attention  while  dealing  with  this  house. 

Mr.  E.  J.  Cram  is  a  native  of  New  Hampshire, 
a  thoroughly  competent  and  practical  man  of 
business  to  which  he  devotes  his  personal  atten- 
tion. 

We  invite  the  attention  of  our  citizens  who  are 
desirous  of  obtaining  old  and  antique  pieces  of 
furniture,  as  they  cannot  fail  to  obtain  what  they 
desire  from  among  his  large  and  varied  stock  of 
goods. 

William  H.  Banks,  Dealer  in  Meats,  Hams, 
Sausage,  Spare  Ribs,  Vegetables,  etc.,  No.  502 
Main  Street.— This  business  enterprise  of  Wil- 
liam H.  Banks  comprises  one  of  the  most  com- 
plete markets  to  be  found  in  Bridgeport.  It  is 
eligibly  located  at  502  Main  street  and  covers  an 
area  of  24x40  feet  in  dimensions  and  is  well 
stocked  with  a  choice  selection  of  meats  and 
vegetables.  He  sells  a  large  quantity  and  at  very 
reasonable  prices,  therefore  his  stock  is  constant- 
ly being  replenished,  and  consequently  is  fresh 
and  of  the  best  quality.  This  market  is  well 
adapted  for  the  business,  being  fitted  up  with 
the  most  improved  facilities  for  conducting  the 
extensive  retail  trade. 

The  line  of  mea's  handled  consists  of  beef,  mut 
ton,  hams,  spare  ribs,  sausage,  etc.,  also  a  full 
line  of  vegetables  in  their  season.  Mr.  Banks 
lias  cold  storage  rooms  for  the  preservation  of  all 
perishable  goods  and  the  management  of  this 
market  will  be  found  to  be  excellent.  This  bus- 
iness was  established  in  1879  by  Mr.  Jas.  Boyle 
and  successfully  conducted  by  him  until  1884. 
wheu  the  present  proprietor  assumed  control  and 
during  his  management  he  has  succeeded  in 
greatly  extending  the  trade,  which  now  requires 
the  assistance  of  three  clerks.  All  orders  are 
promptly  attended  to  and  delivered  to  all  parts 
of  the  city.  Mr.  Banks  by  his  energetic  and 
loyal  business  qualities  displayed,  has  won  a  high 
reputation  in  the  community. 

Geo.  Seltsam,  Practical  Steam  Job  Printer,  90 
Middle  Street. — One  of  the  most  gratifying  evi- 
dences of  the  increase  of  correct  artistic  taste 
among  all  classes  of  society  is  the  great  attention 
that  is  now  paid  in  the  beautiful  designs  in  the 
way  of  job  printing  of  every  description.  Our 
productions  in  this  line  are  not  surpassed  by 
those  of  any  other  country  in  the  world,  and 
every  year  this  gratifying  feature  becomes  more 
marked. 

One  of  the  leading  houses  in  Bridgeport  en- 
gaged in  this  artistic  branch  of  industry  is  that 
of  Mr.  Geo.  Seltsam,  which  was  established  in 
1885,  by  Messrs.  Peabody  &  Seltsam,  and  con- 
ducted under  that  title  until  1887,  when  Mr. 
Geo.  Seltsam  assumed  full  management,  since 
which  date  a  marked  success  has  been  notice- 
able. 

The  premises  utilized  for  this  business  are  located 
at  90  Middle  street,  which  are  fitted  up  with  all 
the  modern  and  improved  facilities  in  machinery, 
presses,  etc.,  requisite  for  the  production 
of  the  many  fine  specimens  of  work  executed 
at  this  establishment.  The  energies  of  the 
house  are  directed  to  the  production  of  all 
kinds  of  plain  and  fancy  steam  job  printing, 
•office  stationery  being  a  specialty. 


Mr.  Seltsam  is  a  native  and  resident  of  Bridge- 
port, and  the  superiority  and  high  character  of 
the  products  of  his  establishment  has  led  to  a 
wide  and  growing  trade,  which  extends  to  all 
parts  of  the  city  and  is  annually  increasing. 

C.  Peterson,  Custom  Tailor,  337  Main  Street, 
Up  Stairs. — Those  of  our  readers  who  want  to 
ensure  themselves  honest  work  and  reasonable 
prices  in  the  tailoring  line  would  do  well  to  pat- 
ronize Mr.  C.  Peterson,  whose  place  of  business 
is  at  No.  337  Main  street.  This  gentleman 
opened  his  establishment  five  years  ago,  and 
has  built  up  a  large  and  growing  patronage  by 
the  even  excellence  of  his  work,  and  the  low 
prices  at  which  he  sells  the  same.  Suits  will 
be  cut  and  made  to  order  at  very  short  notice, 
and  great  care  will  be  taken  to  obtain  a  good  fit 
and  to  otherwise  satisfy  the  customer  in  every 
respect. 

Mr.  Peterson  makes  a  specialty  of  cleaning 
and  repairing  clothing  of  all  kinds  in  the  neatest 
and  best  manner  at  the  shortest  possible  notice, 
and  at  very  low  rates.  Many  will  be  glad  to 
learn  that  he  keeps  full-dress  suits  of  the  best 
material  and  appearance  to  let,  as  most  men  have 
not  sufficient  occasion  to  use  such  a  suit  as  to 
warrant  their  having  one  made,  but  yet  like  to 
be  suitably  dressed  when  custom  requires  such 
apparel. 

.Mr.  Peterson  is  a  native  of  Denmark,  and 
possesses  in  a  marked  degree  the  many  good 
qualities  which  distinguish  his  countrymen.  He 
has  had  a  long  experience  in  the  tailoring  busi- 
ness, and  is  one  of  the  most  skilled  and  conscien- 
tious workmen  in  the  city. 

H.  W.  Raymond,  Court  Street  Stables,  oppo- 
site Court  House. — One  of  the  best  appointed 
livery  stables  in  Bridgeport  is  that  conducted  by 
Mr.  H.  W.  Raymond,  opposite  the  Court  House, 
occupying  four  stories  of  a  building  100x90  feet 
in  dimensions.  These  stables  are  well  supplied 
with  fine  buggies,  carriages,  hacks,  horses  and 
turnouts  of  every  description  and  particular  atten- 
tion is  paid  to  boarding  horses.  The  premises 
have  ample  accommodations  fqr  from  seventy- 
five  to  one  hundred  horses,  and  from  twenty-five 
to  thirty  carriages  are  kept  constantly  on  hand 
for  livery  purposes.  Mr.  Raymond  is  prepared 
to  furnish  hacks  for  all  occasions,  night  or  day, 
upon  the  shortest  notice,  and  his  prices  are 
among  the  most  reasonable  to  be  obtained  in  the 
city. 

From  ten  to  a  dozen  experienced  hostlers  are 
employed  and  this  establishment  will  be  found 
to  be  as  complete  as  any  in  Bridgeport.  These 
stables  were  originally  founded  about  the  year 
1867  by  Messrs.  Sischendorf  &  Smith,  and  after 
several  changes  came  under  the  efficient  manage 
mentofMr.  H.  W.  Raymond,  the  present  pro- 
prietor, in  1885. 

Mr.  Raymond  is  a  native  of  Easton,  Connec- 
ticut, and  personally  nothing  need  be  said  con- 
cerning him  as  he  is  too  widely  and  favorably 
recognized  as  one  of  Bridgeport's  most  energetic 
and  capable  men.  The  business  is  conducted 
upon  the  broadest  basis  of  equity,  and  those 
dealing  with  him  may  rest  assured  that  they  will 
receive  courteous  treatment  and  at  lair  rates. 


104 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Meeker  &  Dowd,  Dealers  in  Grain,  Flour, 
Meal,  Feed,  Hay,  Straw,  etc.,  Nos.  97  and  99 
Fairfield  Avenue. — Looking  in  detail  at  the  varied 
industries  and  commercial  enterprises  of  Bridge- 
port, we  find  that  the  grain,  flour  and  hay  busi- 
ness, both  in  the  wholesale  and  retail  depart- 
ments, involves  no  inconsiderable  capital,  em- 
ploys numerous  hands  and  conduces  to  a  very 
extensive  traffic.  Engaged  in  this  line  of  busi- 
ness, Messrs.  Meeker  &  Dowd  occupy  commo- 
dious premises  at  Nos.  97  and  99  Fairfield 
avenue,  consisting  of  two  floors  60x60  feet  in 
dimensions.  The  firm  was  established  in  1871, 
and  has  since  acquired  a  wide-spread  reputation 
as  being  among  the  most  reliable  and  enterpris- 
ing dealers  in  these  products,  resulting  in  a  large 
trade  throughout  the  city  and  surrounding  dis- 
tricts. The  stock  is  carefully  selected  and  noth- 
ing but  the  best  quality  is  kept,  and  a  specialty  is 
made  in  the  handling  and  keeping  large  stocks  of 
grain  of  all  kinds,  and  hay.  The  individual 
members  of  the  firm  are  Edwin  Meeker,  a 
native  of  Fairfield  (one  of  the  oldest  families  of 
this  county),  and  Oliver  G.  Dowd,  a  native  of 
Madison,  both  of  whom  have  resided  in  Bridge- 
port many  years,  and  well  known  in  business 
circles,  where  they  have  a  high  standing  in  the 
trade,  not  only  in  personal  reputation,  but  in  the 
excellence  of  their  out-put.  Horse  owners,  cattle 
breeders,  farmers  and  milkmen  will  always  find 
at  this  establishment  fresh  ground  feed,  grain  of 
all  kinds  and  good,  sweet,  well-cured  hay,  and  at 
prices  which  will  ensure  a  continuation  of  busi- 
ness relations  once  entered  upon. 

J.Hansen,  The  French  Chemical  Clothes  Clean- 
er, Successor  to  H.  Meinecke,  106  Fairfield  Ave- 
nue.— A  distinctive  branch  among  the  many  and 
varied  industries  conducted  in  Bridgeport  is  that 
now  under  the  management  of  Mr.  J.  Hansen. 
This  business  was  first  established  by  Mr.  H. 
Meinecke  who  was  succeeded  by  the  present 
proprietor  in  1886. 

The  store  is  located  at  106  Fairfield  avenue, 
covering  a  floorage  of  40x15  feet  and  is  fitted  up 
with  every  facility  requisite  for  the  transaction 
of  the  business  which  consists  of  cleaning  clothes 
by  the  French  chemical  process.  All  kinds 
of  clothes  are  cleaned,  repaired  and  dressed  in  a 
first-class  manner  at  short  notice.  Clothes  will 
be  called  for  and  delivered  if  desired.  Orders 
also  taken  for  dyeing  all  kinds  of  clothing.  In 
addition  to  the  above,  Mr.  Hansen  is  extensively 
engaged  in  the  tailoring  business. 

The  extent  of  the  business  conducted  at  this 
establishment  requires  the  employment  of  five 
competent  hands  and  all  orders  are  executed  in  a 
most  reliable  manner. 

Mr.  J.  Hansen  is  a  native  of  Germany,  a  thor- 
oughly practical  and  competent  manager  of  his 
business,  over  which  his  close  and  personal  super- 
vision is  exercised.  Perfect  satisfaction  is  guar- 
anteed in  all  work  entrusted  to  this  house. 

James  Bradshaw,  Jr.,  Proprietor  of  the  Plerald 
NewsStand,  96  Fairfield  Avenue;  Newspapers 
and  Stationery. — We  call  the  attention  of  our 
readers  to  the  above  well  conducted  establish- 
ment, which  is  popularly  known  as  the  "Herald 
News  Stand,''  where  every  facility  is  at  hand  for 
obtaining  all  the  standard  and  popular  daily  and 


weekly  papers,  stationery,  etc.  The  latest 
periodicals  are  here  to  be  found  as  soon  as  pub- 
lished and  many  an  idle  hour  can  be  passed  very 
profitably  in  perusing  the  interesting  books  pur- 
chased here. 

The  above  house  has  been  in  existence  since 
1881  and  has  been  conducted  under  the  proprie- 
torship of  Mr.  James  Bradshaw.  Since  its  in- 
ception it  has  been  conducted  in  a  first  class  man- 
ner and  has  largely  gained  in  popularity  during 
the  past  few  years. 

The  premises  occupied  are  located  at  96 
Fairfield  avenue  and  comprise  a  store  finely  ap- 
pointed and  conveniently  located,  where  is  car- 
ried a  full  and  complete  line  of  stationery  and 
newspapers,  the  latter  delivered  morning  and 
evening  and  Sunday  at  residence.  All  the  New 
York  daily  and  weekly  and  illustrated  papers, 
Seaside,  Lovell's  and  other  library  publications 
constantly  on  hand  and  in  fact  everything  per- 
taining to  the  news  and  stationery  trade. 

The  extensive  trade  of  this  house  gives  employ- 
ment to  eight  thoroughly  experienced  assistants 
and  the  entire  business  is  managed  in  a  manner 
most  satisfactory  to  the  residents  of  this  city. 

Mr.  Bradshaw  is  a  native  of  England  and  is  a 
highly  respected  citizen  of  Bridgeport. 

Jas.  H.  Dorus,  Proprietor  of  Dorus'  Market, 
580  Main  Street. — This  finely  conducted  and 
prominent  market  was  established  by  its  present 
proprietor,  Mr.  Jas.  H.  Dorus,  in  1876  and  for 
the  past  eleven  years  has  been  successfully  con- 
ducted under  the  title  of  Dorus'  Market. 

The  premises,  which  are  24x55  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, are  located  at  580  Main  street  and  well 
supplied  with  all  the  conveniences  for  conducting 
a  large  retail  trade.  This  market  is  well  stocked 
with  a  choice  assortment  of  prime  meats.  Game 
of  all  kinds  in  their  season,  also  a  full  assortment 
of  early  Southern  vegetables,  a  complete  stock  of 
pickles  and  chow-chow,  sugar  cured  hams  and: 
country  sausages  and  every  variety  of  provisions. 

The  extent  to  which  the  business  of  this  mar- 
ket has  attained  necessitates  the  employment  of 
four  able  and  reliable  assistants  whose  courteous 
attention  combined  with  the  energy  and  business 
ability  displayed  by  the  proprietor,  has  made  this 
one  of  the  most  popular  markets  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Dorus  stands  high  among  the  well  reputed 
business  men  of  Bridgeport.  His  business  motto 
is  "Quality  is  the  Test  of  Cheapness,"  and  we 
only  second  the  opinion  of  a  large  portion  of  our 
citizens  when  we  state  that  all  who  trade  with 
him  will  enjoy  the  advantages  of  combined 
quality  and  cheapness. 

H.  W.  Bunnell,  Apothecary,  197  Noble  Ave- 
nue.— An  old-established  and  thoroughly  reliable 
East  Bridgeport  drug  store  is  that  conducted 
by  Mr.  H.  W.  Bunnell,  at  No.  197  Noble  ave- 
nue. This  establishment  was  founded  twenty- 
eight  years  ago  by  Mr.  C.  G.  Pendleton,  who 
nineteen  years  ago  was  succeeded  by  the  present 
proprietor.  The  store  occupied  is  20x45  feet  in 
dimensions,  and  is  supplied  with  all  the  usual 
facilities  and  appointments  for  carrying  on  a 
first  class  apothecary  business. 

A  neatly  and  attractively  arranged  and  well 
selected  stock  of  fancy  and  toilet  articles  of 
various  kinds  is  displayed,   and  a  choice  assort- 


LEADTN^BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Is  So  oXnT"  liqU0,Sf0r  medidnil1  P--P— 

during™  iS  a  nativ?  °f  Co°necticut(  and 
dunng  the  many  years  which  he  has  so  faithfullv 
served  the  public  in  his  present  position  h7h£ 
made  many  friends  and  established  a  large  JS 
steady  patronage.  The  stock  of  drui  medi 
cines  and  chemicals  on  hand  is  complete  in  everv 
respect  and  physicians'  prescripts  are  con7 
pounded  promptly,  accurately  and  at  the  lowest 

drul^if  MlffiH°"f  exPerien^  ■■  a  prescription 
uiug„ist  is  sufficient  guarantee  of  his  fitness  in 
this  capacity,  and  all  such  orders  left  in  hS 
charge  are  assured  the  most  painstaking  car". 


neat  and  attractive  market  to  the  citizens  of  sw 


proprLorSinei8fifiRWaS  Tta,bIi?hed   by  the  present 
proprietor  m  1866,    and    during    the  tweritv-onp 
years  smce  its  inception  he  has  eve'  main  lined 
the  high  reputation  for  integrity  and  reiiab  H  t 
with  which  he  is  regarded  to-day  ieliablht> 

the  premises  are  located   at  144  East  Main 

S?enetrsSSew,Clean  aDd  ^active  S 
flip  fni  ',  Where   ls  tastefully  displayed 

the  full  and  complete  stock  of  eoods  wh ioh  ™ 

Mr.  .Nichols  is  a  native  of  Connecticut  and  wp 
take  pleasure  in  being  able  to  enml  his  estab 

e-nrises  TTg  ?ridSeP°r^  representative  en- 
te  prises,  and  we  but  voice  the  general  sentiment 
when  we  wish  him  all  the  succf L  7n  the  f Se 
that  his  merits  so  well  deserve. 


tains",8',0'6  is  18540  feet  ln  dimensions  and  con- 

Walw«vf  i  C   ln(teS"ty  and  enterprise  which 
On  account  of  his  long  and  varied  experience 

popular   pate/  meaiSLtc*°Ti£Z7T 


hli°h?  Schieich.ert'    Dea^r   in  Meats    Veee 
bles,  etc.,    235  East  Main   Street.-Amone  the 

SSBJSHHSS 

and  honorable  business  dealings,  andtbis^S, 

,nSn,1i1|l0yJnent  is  Siven  t0  a  ™ry  capable  clerk 


i8^dsf7^ksToir^iteL«LS-'T 

t,s  'U  .f'ifoeT'  b/d,;51!^  t,,e  ^Wte  "° 
Sailer  &   Son     V.  c  ty  1S  superior   to  F. 

sale  d^alerTin  to&TSS'T*  ?*  ^^ 
brandies,  gins,  "chf  m^ne "wh ftc  ^h?' 
IheyorieTton^  °f,  'a11  tbe  ^f bSnd  wMcT 
The^r   f/ade    fc  ^  at  fxee.ed^y  low  prices 

established  in  1867  by  K  T  f  hm\aess  was 
member  of  tie  firm  and  toifmw*'  th*  senior 
Sailer,,  was  admitted  ^p^^ff  £££ 

!?S3?S  ^TaS  XeW'  ^  ff 
one  floor  120x90  feet  in  SS^KK.2 

accommodations  for  the  large  stock  carrfed  ", ml 
the  extensive  business  done.  Six  find  imnfn 
ment  n  this  representative  hous?  and  are  FnZ" 
experienced  in  their  several  lino*  To  .  y 
has  not  only  a  name  for  carrvin  J  ti'  The. house 
Plete  stock  to  i^&^SSLfrf  ?  T?" 
representation  of  their  ^oS,  thich  {^3^ 

hasten  conducted  fs  one* cT^and^ 


106 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Chas.  J.  Bryne,  Manufacturer  of  and  Dealer 

in  Fine  Boots  and  Shoes,  466  Main  Street.— This 
important  enterprise  was  established  nine  years 
ago  by  the  present  proprietor,  Chas.  J.  Bryne,  and 
isg  located  at  No  466  Main  street.  The  store 
covers  an  area  of  24x50  feet  where  may  be 
found  a  large  stock  of  boots  and  shoes  foi  ladies 
gentlemen,  misses  and  children.  The  quality  of 
the  goods  gives  unexceptionable  satisfaction 
anion-  his  many  patrons,  and  all  goods  are 
foTndat  reasonable  prices  and  to  be  exactly  as 
represented.  A  specialty  is  made  of  fine  custom 
work  and  repairing.  In  this  line  he  has  been 
very  successful  and  has  secured  the  custom  of 
such  representative  men  of  the  city  as  Mr.  P. 1. 
Barnum,  Mr.  N.  Wheeler,  president  Wheeler  & 
Wilson  Sewing  Machine  Company,  Mr  William 
D  Bishop,  Mr  Henry  Sandford  superintendent 
Adams  Express  Company.  Dr.  H.  II.  Hubbard 
and  a  great  many  others  that  we  could  name  if 
time  and  space  would  permit,  and  in  this  direc- 
tion his  trade  is  said  to  be  the  largest  of  any  in 
the  citv  He  makes  a  specialty  of  cripples 
shoes  and  commands  a  trade  in  this  line  from 
different  parts  of  the  State.  Also  carries  a  fine 
line  of  rubber  goods  which  find  a  ready  demand 
throughout  the  city.  , 

We  commend  this  house  to  our  many  readeis 
as  it  justly  deserves  their  patronage,  and  we  fee 
assured  that  in  every  case  they  will  not  only  find 
the  goods  marked  at  the  lowest  cash  prices  but 
will  also  feel  satisfied  with  the  quality  and  wear 
of  them.  Mr.  Byrne  is  a  gentleman  of  energy 
and  ability  and  thoroughly  experienced  in  all 
the  details  of  his  trade. 

F  S  Hunt  &  Co.,  Boston  99-Cent  Store,  441 
Main  Street.— The  Boston  99-Cent  Store,  located 
at  No  441  Main  street  occupies  a  position  among 
the  representative  business  houses  of  this  city. 
This  is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  complete  es- 
tablishments of  the  kind  in  the  city  and  carries  a 
reliable  stock  of  goods,  embracing  a  large  variety 
of  paintings,  art  novelties,  fancy  articles  toys, 
games  and  hundreds  of  other  things  which  our 
limited  space  will  not  admit  of  mention. 

The  store  occupied  is  20x90  feet  in  dimensions 
and  is  divided  inio  several  departments  for  the 
different  kinds  of  goods.  Altogether  the  store 
is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  city  and  the  Messrs 
Hunt  conduct  their  business  on  a  high  plane  of 
honor  with  fair  representation  of  all  goods,  and 
one  price,  that  the  very  lowest.  < 

The  Messrs.  Hunt  established  this  business 
fourteen  years  ago  and  have  conducted  it  from 
the  start  in  a  highly  satisfactory  manner,  both  to 
themselves  and  their  patrons. 

Bronson's  Photograph  Gallery,  407  Main 
Street,  Photographic  Work  of  all  Kinds  at  rea- 
sonable prices;  Specialty  made  of  Viewing  and 
Instantaneous  Work  of  Animals  of  all  K""?s.— 
One  of  Bridgeport's  most  complete  ^d  reliable 
photograph  galleries  is  that  of  Mr.  C.  R.  Bron- 
son located  at  No.  407  Main  street,  where  lie 
occupies  one  floor,  93x25  feet  in  area,  admirably 
fitted  up  and  arranged  for  his  business. 

Mr  Bronson  established  this  business  in 
1867  "and  has  had  a  long  and  prosperous  career. 
Photographic  work  of  every  description  is  exe- 
cuted by  him,  a  specialty  being  made  of  taking 


views  etc.,  also  instantaneous  work  of  animals- 
of  all  kinds.  Mr.  Bronson  employs  five  able  and 
experienced  assistants,  and  does  a  very  extensive 
business  throughout  this  section.  His  work 
will  always  be  found  of  excellent  character,  for 
which  most  reasonable  prices  prevail.  Being 
very  anxious  to  please  all  patrons,  none  ever 
leave  his  studio  without  a  feeling  of  satisfaction. 
Mr  Bronson,  owing  to  his  long  experience  can 
.ruarantee  a  first  class  liken,  ss.  His  native  place 
is  New  Milford,  Connecticut,  though  he  lias, 
been  a  resident  of  this  city  for  many  years,  he 
is  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him  and 
his  list  of  business  and  social  friends  is  very 
large. 

Dr.  E.  S.  Warnes,  Dentist,  420  Main  Street.— 
Anion"-  Bridgeport's  most  reliable  and  thorough- 
ly experienced  dentists  we  would  call  attention 
to  Dr  E  S.  Warnes,  whose  parlors  are  located 
at  420  Main  street,  where  they  occupy  one  floor 
50x25  feet  in  dimensions,  divided  into  the  recep- 
tion and  operating  rooms,  etc  . 

Dr  E  S  Warnes  established  his  business 
originally  in  Utica,  New  York,  in  1881,  remov- 
ing to  this  city  in  1885,  and  has  succeeded  in  assum- 
ing one  of  the  leading  positions  among  the  den- 
tists in  Bridgeport.  Dr.  Warnes  is  ably  assisted 
by  Dr  F  A  Warnes,  besides  two  other  capable 
dentists.  '  These  gentlemen  are  prepared  to  exe- 
cute all  branches  of  dentistry,  extracting  filling, 
cleaning  etc.,  also  making  of  artificial  teeth. 
Their  charges  will  be  found  very  reasonable  and 
their  work  first-class  in  every  respect 

Dr  E  S  Warnes  is  a  native  of  Utica,  JNew 
York  and  has  during  his  residence  in  Bridgeport 
not  onlv  enjoyed  a  large  patronage,  but  has  also, 
made  a  large  number  of  friends  by  whom  he  is 
highly  and  justly  esteemed.  We  assure  our 
readers  that  should  they  give  Dr.  Warnes  a  trial 
they  will  find  him  thoroughly  experienced  and  a. 
gentleman  who  tries  his  utmost  to  do  his  duty 
by  all. 


P  J.  Reitter,  Dealer  in  Mea's  of  all  kinds, 
corner  North  Washington  Avenue  and  Main 
Street.— Prominent  among  the  meat  markets  in 
this  city  is  that  of  Mr.  P.  J.  Reitter,  located  at 
the  corner  of  North  Washington  avenue  and 
Main  street.  It  has  been  established  for  many 
years  but  has  only  been  under  the  present  man- 
agement since  1886.  Mr.  Reitter's  market  wi 
always  be  found  neat  and  attractive,  and  we 
stocked  with  the  choicest  variety  of  meats  of  all 
kinds  at  the  most  reasonable  prices;  beet,  mut- 
ton veal,  pork,  lamb,  etc.  The  premises  occu- 
pied consist  of  a  fine  store  25x20  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, admirably  arranged  and  eligibly  located 
for  the  business  transacted.  Several  polite  and 
attentive  assistants  are  employed  who  wait  upon 
customers  in  an  intelligent  and  attentive  manner 
Goods  are  delivered  promptly  and  carefully,  ana 
will  always  be  found  as  represented.  Mr.  Keit- 
Ter  is  a  native  of  New  Rochelle,  N.  Y., and  is 
well  and  favorably  known  throughout  Bridge- 
port We  commend  this  establishment  to  the 
attention  of  all,  as  it  is  one  deserving  of their 
patronage  in  every  respect,  not  only  as  regards 
prices  but  also  fine  quality  of  goods,  and  polite 
and  courteous  treatment. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


107 


Ferguson  &  Peet,  Manufacturers,  Wholesale 
and  Retail  Dealers  in  Furniture  and  Carpets- 
Warerooms  24  Fairfield  Avenue.-In  the  furni- 
ture and  carpet  trade  of  Bridgeport  are  to  he 
found  not  a  tew  old-established  houses  worthy  of 
specific  reference  in  this  volume  among  the  most 
extensive  of  which  is  that  carried  on  under  l he 
him  name  of  Ferguson  &  Peet,  at  No  24  Fair- 
field avenue. 

i  ™shouse  was  established  eighteen  years  ago 
by  K  B.  btiles,  succeeded  by  the  present  firm 
about  two  years  ago.  They  occupy  five  floors  at 
the  above  address,  24x70  feet  in  dimensions 
where  can  be  found  everything  necessary  in  fur- 
niture and  carpets,  both  of  fine  and  medium 
grades;  all  at  the  lowtst  possible  prices  Our 
space  will  not  admit  of  our  mentioning  all  the 
goods  to  be  found  at  this  establishment  but  it  is 
fair  to  pronounce  it  as  one  of  the  largest  and  best 
managed  concerns  in  its  line  in  Bridgeport  A 
very  active  trade  is  done  both  wholesale '  and 
retail  throughout  the  city  and  vicinity 

The  individual  members  of  the  firmware  Messrs 
W.  8.  Ferguson,  G.  C.  Peet  and  £.  W  Peet  the 
former  a  native  of  Virginia  and  the  two  latter  of 
Connected.  Eight  persons  are  employed  at  this 
store  in  the  various  capacities  of  salesmen,  clerks 
and  assistants,  who  are  happy  to  furnish  any  in- 
formation concerning  the  business  that  may  be 
desired.  The  members  of  the  firm  are  young 
gentlemen  so  thoroughly  experienced  in  their 
business  as  to  need  no  personal  comments  at  our 

We  may  be  pardoned  however  for  saving  in 
^wIS!?h  t^1  .^e.  standing  and  reputation 
achieved  by  this  firm  is  such  as  to  warrant  the 
entire  confidence  of  those  with  whom  it  has  bus- 
iness relations  and  entitles  it  to  the  consideration 
ot  the  entire  community. 


*; ?  f  2£  J£n?S'  Real  Estate  and  durance, 
Room  7  407  Main  Street -Connecticut  is  uni- 
versally known  as  a  most  pushing  and  enterpris- 
ing btate  and  her  business  men  are  conceded  to 
be  the  equals,  both  as  regards  liberal  dealing 
and  shrewd  investments,  of  those  of  any  other 
btate  in  the  Union,  and  particularly  is  this  true 
or  those  engaged  in  the  insurance  business  of 
which  Connecticut  is  acknowledged  to  be  the 
headquarters. 

Bridgeport  boasts  many  insurance  and  real  es- 
tate agencies  but  none  that  bears  a  higher  reputa- 
tion for  strict  integrity  and  watchful  care  of  its 
patrons  interests  than  that  conducted  by  Mr 
Daniel  W  Jones  at  Room  7,  407  Main  street.' 
11ns  gentleman  began  business  in  1882  as  a  real 
estate  and  insurance  broker  and  has  established 
a  most  desirable  connection  by  dint  of  unremit- 
ting industry  and  application. 

He  is  a  native  of  this  city  in  which  he  holds  a 
commission  as  constable.  Although  carrying  on 
a  general  real  estate  and  insurance^  business  Mr 
Jones  makes  a  specialty  of  a  comparatively' new 
enterprise,  known  as  "live  stock"  insurance  He 
represents  the  Live  Stock  Owners'  Mutual  Bene- 
tiLATT11-011  °f  Connecticut,  an  organiza- 
tion which  is  prepared  to  insure  horses  in 
amounts  varying  from  $100  to  $500.  The  asso- 
ciation is  purely  mutual  and  members  are  only 
required  to  pay  actual  losses  and  a  quarterly  due 
of  one  per  cent.  J 


^?Zt  w"„  hin,SOn'  Pe°Ple  s  Tailor,  340  Main 
Street— With  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  busi- 
ness and  having  acquired  the  reputation  of  ex- 
pert as  cutter  of  fashionable  male  attire  Mr 
Oscar  Hutchinson  has  established  at  No  340 
Main  street  m  the  United  Bank  Building,  what 
is  now  one  of  the  most  popular  custom  tailoring 
establishments  of  this  city.  This  house  occupief 
for  stock  and  cutting  departments,  the  first  floor 
of  the  budding  at  the  above  address  which  is 
spacious,  covering  an  area  of  20x70  feet  and  is 
doubtless  equal  in  every  appointment  and  finish 

L  w~n~  °,"f  m,  this  line  in  Bridgeport  and 

is  well  arranged  for  the  display  of  stock  and  con- 
venience in  handling.     The  line  of  goods  carried 

onfoCnVft0i-ieeV,be  Wants  of  the  most  fastidi- 
ous and  fashionable   as   well   as  the   extremely 
plain  or  most  ultra  of  patrons,  and  from  this  they 
are  aptly  called  "People's  Tailors."    A  business 
is  transacted  that  keeps  in  employment  several 
,     ,      Aest  custom  tailors  to    be    found      The 
stock  of  fine  woolens,  both  foreign  and  domestic 
shown  by  Mr.   Hutchinson  has  Iw  counterparts 
n  the  city  and  it  embraces  all  the  latest  novel- 
ties in  cassimeres    suitings,  etc.,  besides  a  full 
line  of  the  most  fashionable  collars,   cuffs  and 
neckwear  is  kept  constantly  on  hand      The  busi- 
ness was  established   by  Mr.    Hutchinson  three 
years  ago. 

He  is  a  native  of  New  Hampshire  and  is  a 
practical  man  at  the  business  and  has  acquired  a 
well  deserved  reputation  for  sedulous  attention 

he  SfTnTf    h-raUV  iU  aU   dealiDgS  and  care  iQ 
the  fi   and  fashion  of  garments,  which  qualities 

have  had  much  to  do  with  the  success  attained 
and  the  present  prominence  of  the  house. 


A,r^eo\B"  EdnK>nds>  Practical  Optician,  318 
Main  Street—There  are  few  industries  conducted 

I  Sli  tw!  H1'6  ^    • enefit  l?  the  human  family 
Ithan  that  of  the  optician,  and  prominent  amonj 

mn1nef°irJf?emnBlgep0rt  is  the  establish^ 
ment  of  Mr.  Geo.  B.  Edmonds.  The  eminent 
success  which  has  attended  his  efforts  is  a  suffi- 
cient evidence  of  his  thorough  adaptation  to  this 
line  of  business.  The  premises  occupied  are 
situated  at  318  Main  street,  and  comprise  a 
finely  arranged  store  measuring  15x20  feet  in 
size,  containing  one  of  the  most  complete  stocks 
of  optical  goods  to  be  found  in  the  city  of  Bridge- 

This  house  was  established  in  1878  bv  its 
present  proprietor  who  is  a  practical  optician 
and  thoroughly  understands  the  quality  and  uses 
of  the  valuable  line  of  goods  handfed,  which 
consist  of  opera  glasses,  eye-glasses,  spectacles 
microscopes,  etc.,  which  are  guaranteed  to  be  of 
the  finest  grade.  These  can  be  obtained  at  this 
establishment  at  most  reasonable  prices 

Mr  Edmonds  is  a  native  of  Massachusetts  a 
genial  gentleman  and  an  expert  optician  All 
persons  dealing  with  him  will  find  him  an  honest 
and  capable  business  man,  one  who  is  always 
willing  to  work  for  the  interests  of  his  patrons 
who  are  assured  that  their  best  interests  will  be 
conserved  m  every  possible  manner 

Mr  Edmonds  is  a  member  of  the  Odd  Fellows 
and  also  represents  the  First  Ward  as  alderman 
and  was  a  member  of  the  Common  Council   in" 


108 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


L.  B.  Vaill,  Dealer  in  Choice  Family  Grocer- 
ies and  Provisions,  Dry  Goods,  Hosiery,  Gent's 
Underwear  etc.,  Flour,  Feed  and  Grain,  corner  of 
Barnum  audSeaview  Avenues,  West  Stratford. — 
The  importance  of  the  grocery  and  provision  trade 
cannot  be  over  estimated  for  it  is  truly  one  of  the 
most  prominent  industries,  engaging  the  atten- 
tion of  a  large  number  of  firms  and  individuals 
and  employing  labor  and  capital  to  a  marked 
degree.  Though  thousands  of  tons  of  these 
commodities  are  sold  each  year,  there  is  no  per- 
ceptible diminution  in  the  demand  for  first-class 
goods.  Among  the  many  houses  devoted  to  the 
above-named  line  of  business  in  West  Stratford, 
that  of  Mr.  L.  B.  Vaill  occupies  an  honorable 
position. 

This  house  was  established  seventeen  years 
ago  by  its  present  proprietor.  The  premises 
utilized  are  located  at  the  corner  of  Barnum  and 
Seaview  avenues  and  consist  of  a  store  80x80  feet 
in  dimensions,  which  is  well  stocked  with  choice 
family  groceries  and  provisions,  meats  and  vege- 
tables, one  of  the  best  assortments  to  be  obtain- 
ed in  this  section,  also  flour,  feed  and  grain.  In 
addition  to  the  above-named  line  of  goods  Mr. 
Vaill  carries  a  fine  assortment  of  glass,  paints, 
oils,  drugs  and  patent  medicines,  dry  goods, 
hosiery,  gents'  underwear,  etc.  The  drug  de- 
partment is  presided  over  by  Mr.  Edward  Ensign 
an  experienced  pharmacist. 

The  large  retail  trade  of  this  house  requires  the 
services  of  three  capable  assistants.  Mr.  Vaill  is 
a  practical  and  energetic  business  man  and  high- 
ly respected  citizen,  holding  the  position  of  post- 
master of  West  Stratford. 

J.  L.  Harlem,  Fine  Tailoring,  Dealer  in 
Woolens  and  Gentlemen's  Furnishing  Goods,  98 
State  Street,  Franklin  Block. — Among  the  most 
conspicuous  establishments  of  this  character  in 
this  city  is  the  house  of  J.  L.  Harlem,  located  at 
No.  98  State  street  in  the  well-known  Franklin 
Block,  which  has  attained  a  position  in  the  pub- 
lic estimation  that  speaks  in  the  strongest  terms 
of  the  enterprise  with  which  it  is  conducted. 

The  business  was  established  by  the  present 
proprietor  nine  years  ago,  and  the  premises  oc- 
cupied cover  an  area  of  24x70  feet,  where  can  be 
seen  at  all  times  one  of  the  largest  and  best 
selected  stocks  of  foreign  and  domestic  fabrics 
for  gentlemen's  wear,  embracing  suitings,  broad- 
cloths, cassimeres,  cheviots,  woolens,  etc.  Also 
a  full  and  well-selected  assortment  of  gentle- 
men's furnishing  goods,  including  cuffs,  collars, 
suspenders,  neckwear,  underwear,  hosiery,  etc. 
The  facilities  enjoyed  by  Mr.  Harlem  enables 
him  to  supply  the  wants  of  his  patrons  with  the 
very  best  of  goods  at  the  lowest  prices. 

Ten  experienced  hands  are  employed  and  a 
large  custom  trade  is  done  throughout  the  city 
and  its  suburbs.  All  garments  leaving  this 
store  are  of  first-class  fit  and  latest  style,  and  sat- 
isfaction is  guaranteed  as  to  workmanship,  etc. 
We  know  of  no  tailors  in  this  city  whom  we  can 
commend  in  higher  terms  and  we  feel  assured 
all  of  our  readers  who  give  him  a  trial  will  be- 
come his  permanent  patrons. 

Mr.  Harlem  carries  a  full  line  of  the  Fairfield 
Jiubber  Co.'s  goods  which  are  warranted  first- 
class  in  every  respect.  These  are  offered  at 
manufacturer's  prices. 


J.  S.  Phalen,  Dealer  in  Fine  Groceries  and 
Provisions,  Liquor,  Ale,  Beer,  etc.,  corner  Bar- 
num  and  Seaview  Avenues,  West  Stratford. — 
Among  those  concerned  in  the  above-named  bus- 
iness the  house  of  J.  S.  Phalen  occupies  an  im- 
portant position. 

This  house  was  established  on  East  Main  street 
in  1878  by  J.  S.  Phalen  and  conducted  by  him 
until  1883,  when  Mr.  Dunn  was  admitted  as 
partner  and  the  business  was  conducted  under 
the  title  of  Phalen  &  Dunn  until  1886,  when  Mr. 
Phalen  again  assumed  full  control. 

The  premises  occupied  comprise  two  floors  of 
the  building,  each  30x45  feet  in  dimensions, 
located  at  the  corner  of  Barnum  and  Seaview 
avenues.  The  business  of  the  house  is  devoted 
to  the  retail  trade  in  flour,  feed,  hay  and  straw, 
fine  staple  and  fancy  groceries,  provisions,  fruits 
and  vegetables  of  all  kinds,  also  a  fine  line  ot 
choice  ales,  wines,  liquors  and  cigars. 

The  services  of  three  capable  clerks  are  utilized 
in  the  management  of  this  business  and  its  details 
are  most  faithfully  executed.  Mr.  Phalen  is 
well  and  favorably  known  in  this  community 
and  holds  the  office  of  tax  collector  of  Stratford. 

In  connection  with  his  other  business  Mr. 
Phalen  has  a  well  appointed  livery  and  sale 
stable,  where  teams  may  be  procured  at  reason- 
able prices  for  business  or  pleasure  driving. 

S.  Seiler,  Dealer  in  Sheet  Music  and  Musical 
Merchandise,  528  Main  Street. — Among  the  busi- 
ness houses  of  comparatively  recent  establish- 
ment, located  in  this  city,  and  one  which  we  are 
desirous  of  bringing  before  the  notice  of  our 
readers  is  the  establishment  of  Mr.  S.  Seiler, 
dealer  in  sheet  music,  books  and  musical  mer- 
chandise. 

He  commenced  business  in  Bridgeport  in  1884, 
and  for  the  past  two  years  has  been  located  at 
528  Main  street.  The  premises  occupied  by  him 
comprise  a  store  20x40  feet  in  dimensions,  where 
is  attractively  displajred  the  large  and  varied 
stock  of  merchandise  dealt  in. 

Mr.  Seiler  deals  in  stationery  of  all  kinds,  in 
addition  to  sheet  music,  of  which  he  carries  a 
full  and  complete  stock.  During  the  past  year 
Mr.  Seiler  has  added  to  his  already  varied  stock 
a  line  of  hats  and  caps,  which  comprise  the 
newest  and  most  fashionable  stjdes.  The  retail 
trade  of  this  house  requires  the  assistance  of  a 
very  capable  cleik,  who  is  thoroughly  conversant 
with  all  the  new  and  popular  publications  of  the 
day,  and  all  orders  are  promptly  executed. 

Mr.  Stiler  is  a  practical  business  man,  and 
personally  superintends  the  management  of  his 
business. 

Robert  A.  Nichols,  Dealer  in  Groceries  and 
Provisions,  Vegetables  and  Fruits,  No.  235 
Fairfield  Avenue. — Conspicuous  among  the 
grocery  and  provision  stores  in  this  city  we 
would  call  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  that  so 
ably  conducted  by  Robt.  A.  Nichols,  successor  to 
J.  Jacoby  &  Brother,  and  located  at  235  Fairfield 
avenue,  and  164  Cannon  street. 

This  business  was  established  by  Henry  Jacoby 
some  fifteen  years  ago,  succeeded  by  the  present 
proprietor  in  May,  1887.  Everything  in  the  line 
of  choice  family  groceries  will  be  found  at  this 
establishment,    including  choice  grades  of  tea, 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


109 


coffee,  spices,  sugar,  flour,  caoned  goods,  etc. ; 
also  vegetables  of  all  kinds. 

The  store  occupied  is  20x70  feet  in  dimensions, 
and  is  neatly  kept.  Polite  and  attentive  attend- 
ants are  on  hand  who  wait  upon  customers  in  a 
prompt  and  intelligent  manner,  all  goods  being 
promptly  and  carefully  delivered  to  residences 
free  of  charge. 

Tlie  facilities  enjoyed  by  this  firm  for  obtain- 
ing fresh  and  desirable  goods  are  unsurpassed, 
and  we  feel  confident  that  all  giving  this  store 
their  patronage  will  feel  satisfied  that  they  will 
obtain  a  full  equivalent  for  their  money. 

Mr.  Nichols,  the  present  proprietor,  is  a  native 
of  Bridgeport,  and  well  and  favorably  known 
throughout  the  community.  We  commend  this 
house  to  the  attention  of  our  readers,  as  they 
will  find  the  goods  first-class  and  prices  low. 

The  Great  Atlantic  &  Pacific  Tea  Co.,  Im- 
porters and  Retailers  in  Teas  and  Coffees,  T. 
Greening,  Manager,  290  Main  Street. — Too  much 
consideration  cannot  be  given  to  that  business 
which  caters  to  the  daily  wants  of  the  inhabi- 
tants. With  our  advancing  civilization  and  cul- 
tivation of  taste  the  people  exact  that  a  store  be 
attractive  and  the  stock  conveniently  displayed  for 
inspection  as  to  quality  and  effect  and  these 
demands  are  promptly  met  by  enterprising  deal- 
ers. Among  such  in  Bridgeport  none  have  at- 
tained greater  success  within  the  period  of  its  ex- 
istence than  the  branch  house  of  the  great  At- 
lantic &  Pacific  Tea  Co.,  located  at  290  Main 
street. 

This  branch  was  established  in  1875  and  since 
its  inception  has  been  under  the  skillful  manage- 
ment of  Mr.  T.  Greening. 

The  premises  utilized  by  this  company  cover 
an  area  of  30x66  feet,  where  is  carried  an  im- 
mense stock  of  the  best  importations  in  teas  and 
coffees.  The  extensive  wholesale  and  retail  trade 
requires  the  services  of  five  experienced  assistants. 

The  principal  warehouse  is  located  at  35  and 
37  Vesey  street,  New  York  city.  This  house  is 
only  one  of  two  hundred  retail  branch  houses 
located  in  different  portions  of  the  United  States 
and  receives  all  its  supplies  direct  from  the  prin- 
cipal importing  house  and  advantages  thus  deriv- 
ed are  promptly  shared  with  customers.  Mr. 
Greening  is  too  well  known  to  require  personal 
mention  at  our  hand,  but  in  conclusion  we  feel 
at  liberty  to  say  that  the  city  of  Bridgeport  is 
greatly  indebted  to  him  for  one  of  its  most  com 
plete  establishments. 

Chas.  A.  Youngs,  Dealer  in  Choice  Groceries 
and  Provisions,  Teas,  Coffee,  Spices,  etc.,  161 
South  Avenue. — Among  the  important  lines  of 
bm-iness  for  which  Bridgeport  has  become  re- 
nowned that  of  the  grocery  and  provision  indus- 
try is  entitled  to  a  prominent  position.  The  fine 
quality  offered  at  Bridgeport  is  generally  recog- 
nized in  the  trade. 

Among  those  houses  which  have  been  recently 
established  is  that  of  Mr.  Chas.  A.  Youngs,  which 
was  first  started  in  1882  by  the  present  proprietor. 
The  premises  utilized  are  40x30  feet  in  dimen- 
sions and  are  located  at  161  South  avenue.  The 
energies  of  the  house  are  devoted  to  the  grocery 
and  provision  business.  The  stock  embraces  a 
first-class  line  of  fine  staple  and  fancy  groceries, 


teas,  coffees,  spices,  etc.  The  trade  of  this  house 
gives  employment  to  three  very  capable  assistants. 
Mr.  Chas.  A.  Youngs  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport 
and  practically  fami'iar  with  all  the  details  of 
the  business  and  is  in  every  way  a  thorough  and 
skillful  business  manager.  He  is  well-known  in 
social  as  well  as  business  circles;  he  is  librarian  of 
the  First  Presbyterian  church  and  a  member  of 
the  Odd  Fellows. 

B.  Lill,  Meat,  Vegetable  and  Poultry  Market, 
164  State  Street. — As  pursuing  an  important 
branch  of  trade  the  house  of  Mr.  B.  Li!l  may  not 
be  overlooked  in  a  work  of  this  kind. 

Mr.  Lill  established  this  business  over  twenty- 
five  years  ago  and  the  success  he  has  attained  in 
his  enterprit-e  is  too  well  known  for  us  to  dwi  11 
upon.  lie  occupies  a  store  20x70  feet  in  dimen- 
sions located  centrally  and  eligibly  at  No.  164 
State  street,  and  it  is  well  stocked  with  choice 
meats,  vegetables  and  poultry.  All  wishing  to 
find  a  reliable  market  where  they  can  obtain 
fresh  and  tender  meats  will  find  one  at  this  loca- 
tion. Beef,  mutton,  lamb,  veal,  pork,  ham,  etc.. 
of  the  best  in  the  city  at  the  lowest  market  prices 
may  be  obtained.  He  keeps  his  store  in  first- 
class  order,  his  goods  arranged  so  as  make  the 
finest  display,  and  Mr.  Lill  has  altogether  one 
of  the  most  attractive  markets  in  the  city. 

Three  assistants  are  at  hand  to  wait  upon  cus- 
tomers and  all  orders  are  carefully  and  promptly 
delivered.  Mr.  Lill's  market  is  fully  equipped 
with  all  the  most  modern  appliances  for  the 
proper  care  and  storage  of  meats,  etc.,  refrigera- 
tors of  the  most  approved  plans,  etc. 

He  is  of  German  descent  but  his  long  residence 
in  this  city  has  enabled  him  to  make  many  warm 
friends.  His  business  in  all  its  departments  is 
conducted  upon  principles  of  pure  mercantile 
integrity  and  it  is  on  these  merits  that  the  credit, 
reputation  and  confidence  of  the  house  rests. 

Paul  Hercher,  Artist,  Boom  7,  Warner 
Building. — It  is  oftentimes  a  puzzling  question, 
especially  among  those  of  moderate  means,  to 
determine  what  would  best  serve  to  ornament 
and  enliven  the  home.  Expensive  bric-a-brac 
and  landscapes  in  oil,  etc.,  are  quite  out  of  the 
reach  of  the  majority  of  the  people,  but  yet 
pictures  of  some  kind  are  a  necessity,  if  a  real 
homelike  effect  is  to  be  oblained.  What  more 
completely  combines  the  virtues  of  a  keep-sake 
and  an  ornament  than  does  a  portrait  of  a  dear 
relative  or  a  tried  friend?  No  objection  can  be 
made  on  account  of  the  high  cost  of  such  a  pic- 
ture, for,  as  a  call  on  Mr.  Paul  Hercher,  the 
well-known  artist  at  Room  7  Warner  Building, 
will  demonstrate,  excellent  and  life-like  por- 
traits are  to  be  had  at  very  low  rates;  and,  aside 
from  their  faithful  likenesses,  their  fine  finish 
makes  them  ornaments  to  any  room  in  which 
they  may  be  placed. 

Mr.  Hercher  has  a  fine  studio  at  the  address 
given  and  although  he  has  recently  established 
himself  in  this  city,  he  has  already  executed 
numerous  commissions  in  a  most  satisfactory 
manner.  He  makes  all  kinds  of  portraits  and 
general  crayon,  oil  and  India  ink  work,  and  may 
always  be  depended  on  to  earnestly  strive  to 
suit  his  customers.  The  prices  charged  are  very 
reasonable,  and  all  orders  are  promptly  executed. 


110 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Edmund  H.  Hurd,  Dealer  in  Groceries,  Pro- 
visions, Fruits,  etc.,  corner  Harriet  Street  and 
Crescent  Avenue,  E.  D. — Of  the  general  business 
of  Bridgeport,  the  grocery  and  provision  trade 
forms  a  very  important  part;  many  enterprising 
houses  are  engaged  in  it.  Among  these  we  are 
pleased  to  mention  for  the  benefit  of  our  readers, 
both  in  and  out  of  the  city,  the  house  of  Edmund 
H.  Hurd,  located  at  the  corner  of  Harriet  street 
and  Crescent  avenue,  East  Bridgeport.  He 
conducts  one  of  the  neatest  stores  in  the  city, 
which  is  fully  supplied  with  a  well  selected  stock 
of  first  class  groceries,  provisions,  fruits,  etc. 
This  house  was  first  established  by  Lines  &  Hurd 
in  1870  and  after  ten  years  of  prosperity  Mr. 
Hurd  assumed  full  control,  and  for  the  last  seven 
years  the  business  has  been  conducted  under  the 
title  of  Edmund  H.  Hurd,  who  has  been  very 
successful  in  conducting  a  large  letail  trade 
which  requires  the  assistance  of  two  capable  and 
reliable  clerks.  The  store  occupied  is  24x60  feet 
in  size  and  contains  a  nice  stock  of  groceries, 
provisions,  fruits,  etc.,  embracing  the  best 
brands  of  flour,  sugar,  teas,  coffees,  spices,  vege- 
tables and  fruit  in  their  season,  also  a  choice  as- 
sortment of  meats  of  all  kinds.  This  store  can- 
not be  surpassed  in  the  city  for  quantity,  quality 
and  variety  of  goods,  while  his  prices  are  guar- 
anteed to  be  entirely  satisfactory  to  all  who  deal 
with  him.  Mr.  Hurd  has  an  established  reputa- 
tion for  fair  and  honorable  dealings.  We  can 
commend  our  readers  to  no  better  house  in 
Bridgeport  at  which  to  purchase  first-class  sup- 
plies. 

J.  S.  Wooster  &  Co.,  Dealers  in  Staple  and 
Fancy  Dry  Goods,  Oil  Cloths  and  Paper  Hang- 
ings, 177  East  Washington  Avenue. — As  a  dry 
goods  house  occupying  a  deservedly  high  rank 
among  the  representative  mercantile  establish- 
ments of  East  Bridgeport,  the  house  of  J  S. 
Wooster  &  Co.,  located  at  177  East  Washington 
avenue  demands  more  than  a  passing  notice. 
This  house  was  established  in  1865,  first  by 
Wooster  &  Morris,  succeeded  by  Wooster  & 
Bishop  and  later  by  David  Wooster.  In  1886 
Mr.  J.  S.  Wooster,  the  present  proprietor,  under 
the  firm  name  of  J.  S.  Wooster  &  Co.,  assumed 
control,  since  which  date,  by  honest  endeavors 
and  fair  conduct  its  trade  has  steadily  increased, 
until  to  day  it  ranks  among  the  most  reliable  and 
enterprising  houses  in  the  city.  The  store  occu- 
pied for  tlie  business  is  18x70  feet  in  dimen- 
sions and  well  stocked  with  a  fine  line  of  staple 
and  fancy  dry  goods,  etc.  The  extensive  retail 
trade  of  this  house  necessitates  the  employment 
of  two  competent  clerks,  who  thoroughly  under- 
stand the  business  in  all  its  branches.  Mr. 
Wooster  is  a  practical  business  man  who  gives 
close  personal  attention  to  the  buying  and  replen- 
ishing of  his  large  and  varied  line  of  goods, 
which  include  in  addition  to  the  full  assortment 
of  dry  goods,  a  fine  and  well  selected  stock  of 
oil  cloths,  paper  hangings  and  window  shades. 
Mr.  J.  S.  Wooster  is  a  native  of  Connecticut, 
whose  long  connection  with  the  business  and 
acquaintance  witli  the  wants  of  the  people, 
enable  him  at  all  times  to  keep  on  hand  goods 
that  are  seasonable  and  popular,  and  we  ear- 
nestly solicit  the  interest  of  our  readers  in  his 
behalf. 


Timothy  Cornwell,  Manufacturer  and  Dealer 
in  Tin,  Copper  and  Sheet-Ironware;  Roofing  and 
Plumbing,  321  East  Main  Street,  near  East 
Washington  Avenue. — Among  the  prominent 
business  men  in  Bridgeport  who  are  engaged  in 
this  business  is  Mr.  Timothy  Cornwell,  a 
thorough  master  mechanic,  who  not  only  under- 
stands his  business  in  all  its  details  and  require- 
ments but  is  also  capable  of  doing  skillfully,  any- 
thing in  his  line  of  business. 

This  house  was  established  in  1866  by  its  pres- 
ent proprietor  and  is  located  at  321  East  Main 
street.  The  store  covers  an  area  of  30x40  feet, 
is  well  stocked  with  a  complete  assortment  of 
tin,  copper  and  sheet-ironware,  gas  fixtures,  etc., 
and  in  connection  with  the  manufacture  and 
retail  trade  in  the  above-mentioned  goods  Mr. 
Cornwell  carries  on  an  extensive  trade  in  the 
roofing  and  plumbing  business.  All  work  under- 
taken by  him  receives  careful  personal  inspection 
which  is  a  sufficient  guarantee  of  its  excellence. 
His  extensive  trade  requires  the  employment  of 
four  experienced  assistants,  and  all  orders  are 
executed  with  promptness  and  dispatch.  His 
prices  are  as  reasonable  as  any  to  be  obtained  in 
the  city. 

Mr.  Timothy  Cornwell  is  a  native  of  New 
York  but  his  long  residence  in  this  city,  together 
with  his  twenty-one  years  of  business  experience 
render  his  house  a  most  advantageous  one  with 
which  to  deal,  and  we  are  pleased  to  note  that  he 
enjoys  a  large  and  constantly  increasing  patron- 
age, which  is  justly  merited  by  fair  dealings, 
good  work,  and  reasonable  prices. 


West  End  Floral  Gardens,  Plants  and  Cut 
Flowers,  at  Wholesale  and  Retail,  Corner  Clinton 
Avenue  and  State  Street;  General  Office,  Coun. 
Bank  Building,  Mr.  C.  E.  Keith,  Manager. — It  is 
with  genuine  pleasure,  and  personal  appreciation 
of  floriculture  that  we  call  the  attention  of  our 
readers  to  the  West  End  Floral  Gardens,  which 
are  situated  at  the  corner  of  Clinton  avenue  and 
State  street,  the  general  office  being  located  in 
Connecticut  National  Bank  Building,  corner 
Wall  and  Main  streets. 

These  gardens  are  owned  and  established  by 
Mr.  E.  C.  Bassick,  who  has  been  fortunate 
enough  to  secure  Mr.  C.  E.  Keith  as  manager. 
This  gentleman  is  an  enthusiastic  lover  of  his 
profession,  and  takes  the  utmost  pleasure  in 
annually  enriching  and  enlarging  by  fresh  acces- 
sions his  already  large  and  promising  variety  of 
plants.  The  West  End  Gardens  do  a  large  busi- 
ness in  house  and  bedding  plants,  bulbs,  fruit 
and  ornamental  trees,  also  plants  and  cut  flowers 
at  wholesale  and  retail.  At  these  extensive 
greenhouses  may  always  be  obtained  the  choicest 
selections  of  cut  flowers,  roses,  etc.,  also  every 
description  and  design  in  floral  decorations  for 
funerals,  weddings,  parties,  etc.,  comprising 
wreaths,  crosses,  crowns,  anchors,  pillows, 
medallions,  etc. 

Mr.  Keith  gives  close  personal  attention  to 
every  department  of  this  large  and  extensive 
business.  He  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  a  sci- 
entific and  artistic  florist,  who  by  close  attention 
and  application  has  succeeded  in  gaining  a  wide- 
spread and  enviable  reputation  throughout  the 
State. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Ill 


Conrad  F.  Stein,  West  End  Meat  Market, 
Bassick's  Block,  State  Street. — Among  the 
many  and  varied  industries  pursued  in  Bridge- 
port, the  establishment  prominently  known  as 
the  West  End  Market  is  deserving  of  particular 
attention  in  a  work  of  this  kind,  which  is  devoted 
to  the  investigation  of  the  various  enterprises  of 
the  city. 

This  market  was  established  in  1884,  by  Con- 
rad F.  Stein,  who  has  so  successfully  managed 
his  business  during  the  three  years  since  that 
date,  that  to-day  his  establishment  holds  a  prom- 
inent position  in  this  community.  The  premises 
utilized  are  located  in  Bassick's  block,  State 
street  extension,  and  comprise  one  tloor,  35x20 
feet  in  dimensions,  and  is  well  stocked  with  a 
choice  assortment  of  meats,  etc.,  which  include 
prime  beef,  mutton,  lamb,  veal,  pork,  and  all 
kinds  of  vegetables  in  their  seasons.  The  ex- 
tended trade  of  this  market  requires  the  employ- 
ment of  three  assistants  in  addition  to  the  close 
personal  management  of  the  proprietor.  This 
house  deals  exclusively  in  first  class  goods; 
therefore,  customers  can  depend  upou  here 
obtaining  goods  that  will  meet  with  their  ap- 
proval in  all  respects. 

Mr.  Stein  is  a  native  of  New  York  Slate,  a 
gentleman  familiar  in  every  detail  with  all  that 
appertains  to  the  business  and  the  wants  of  the 
market,  carrying  a  stock  made  up  of  the  best 
and  most  reliable  goods  known  to  the  trade.  It 
is  incumbent  on  buyers  in  the  advancement  of 
their  own  interests,  that  in  making  purchases 
they  bear  in  mind  the  above  house,  where  the 
variety  is  complete  and  the«piices  invariably 
satisfactory. 

Robert  Cartier,  Dealer  in  Fine  Groceries, 
Provisions,  Teas,  Coffees,  Spices,  Bassick  Block, 
State  Street  Extension. — No  class  of  houses  is 
more  deserving  of  consideration  in  review  of  the 
commercial  attractions  of  any  business  center 
than  those  engaged  in  handling  the  staple  neces- 
saries of  life,  and  first  in  importance  must  be 
ranked  the  retail  grocer. 

Bridgeport  numbers  with  her  best  business 
men  several  engaged  in  this  line,  and  among 
these  we  note  with  pleasure  the  character  and 
extent  of  the  trade  conducted  by  Mr.  Robert 
Cartier. 

Occupying  a  complete  and  finely  appointed 
grocery  establishment,  this  gentleman  has,  since 
1884,  been  recognized  among  the  leading  expo- 
nents of  the  trade  in  this  city.  The  premises 
occupied  are  located  in  Bassick's  Block,  State 
street  extension,  and  comprises  a  store  30x15  feet 
in  dimensions,  with  a  basement  of  some  size  for 
storage.  The  stock  deserves  a  more  extended 
notice  than  our  space  will  permit,  as  it  includes 
an  unusually  fine  line  of  groceries,  provisions, 
teas,  coffees,  spices,  smoked  meats,  foreign  and 
domestic  fruits,  also  fine  brands  of  family  flour, 
of  which  he  makes  a  specialty. 

The  extensive  retail  trade  of  this  house  re- 
quires the  employment  of  three  very  capable 
assistants,  and  the  business  is  ably  managed 
under  the  direct  personal  supervision  of  the  pro- 
prietor. 

Mr.  Cartier  is  a  native  of  Montreal,  Canada, 
and  since  his  residence  here  has  identified  him- 
self with  the  best  interests  of  the  community. 


M.  W.  Hall,  Dealer  in  Pure  Drugs  and  Medi- 
cines, 224  East  Main  Street. — Among  the  best 
known  establishments  in  East  Bridgeport,  devot- 
ed to  the  above-named  line  of  trade  is  the  one 
conducted  by  Mr.  M.  W.  Hall.  This  house  was 
established  by  its  present  proprietor  in  1887  and 
located  at  224  East  Main  street,  where  he  has 
built  up  a  flourishing  retail  trade.  Mr.  Hall  has 
earned  his  wide  spread  reputation  by  the  excel- 
lence of  the  goods  he  deals  in  and  the  prompt 
and  accurate  manner  in  which  all  orders  are 
tilled. 

The  premises  occupied  for  the  business  consist 
of  a  finely  appointed  store  18x50  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, where  will  be  found  a  full  and  complete 
stock  of  pure  drugs  and  medicines,  also  a  choice 
selection  of  elegant  fancy  and  toilet  articles  such 
as  combs,  brushes,  sponges,  soaps,  perfumery, 
etc.,  and  in  connection  with  the  above-named 
articles  Mr.  Hall  carries  a  fine  and  choice  line  of 
liquors,  etc.,  for  medical  uses,  and  a  full  line 
of  druggists'  sundries.  'He  also  deals  extensively 
in  fine  imported  and  domestic  cigars.  The  retail 
trade  of  this  house  gives  employment  to  two 
very  capable  clerks,  and  the  details  of  this  busi- 
ness are  most  efficiently  handled. 

Mr.  Hall,  who  is  a  most  reliable  pharmacist, 
gives  personal  supervision  to  the  compounding 
of  physicians'  prescriptions  and  all  medicines 
are  most  carefully  prepared.  Mr.  Hall  is  a 
genial  and  well  informed  gentleman,  highly  es- 
teemed and  possessing  a  full  share  of  the  confi- 
dence of  the  community. 

Henry  Woodhull,  Dealer  in  Staple  and  Fancy 
Groceries,  Main  Street  and  South  Avenue. — It  is 
almost  an  invariable  rule  that  in  all  great  centers 
of  business  there  are  certain  houses  in  each  line 
of  trade  that  stand  pre-eminent  and  have  by 
close  attention  to  the  wants  of  their  customers  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  business,  and  pur- 
chasing goods  direct  from  first  hands,  built  up  a 
trade  that  goes  ahead  of  that  of  many  of  their 
contemporaries.  Such  an  establishment  in  this 
citv  is  the  grocery  store  of  Mr.  Henry  Woodhull. 

This  house  was  founded  many  years  ago  by  a 
Mr.  Alfred  H.  Robbins,  and  later  conducted  by 
W.  E.  Mclntire,  who  was  succeeded  in  1884  by 
the  present  proprietor  and  ever  since  has  been 
the  center  of  a  first-class  trade  which,  both  in  ex- 
tent and  quality,  has  few,  if  any  successful 
rivals  in  Bridgeport. 

The  premises  occupied  for  the  business  are 
located  at  the  corner  of  Main  street  and  South 
avenue,  and  comprise  a  store  24x70  feet  in 
dimensions,  where  is  to  be  found  a  full  and 
choice  assortment  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries 
which  embraces  everything  usually  handled  by  a 
first-class  house  in  this  line  of  trade,  and  are 
guaranteed  to  be  the  best  goods  to  be  obtained 
in  the  market.  Constant  employment  is  given 
to  two  capable  clerks  and  all  orders  are  prompt- 
ly attended  to  and  delivered  to  all  parts  of  the 
city  free  of  charge. 

Mr.  Henry  Woodhull  is  a  native  of  Long 
Island.  His  high  personal  character  is  a  suffi- 
cient guarantee  of  the  substantial  and  reliable 
manner  in  which  all  business  is  transacted,  while 
the  ability  exhibited  by  him  in  successfully  con- 
ducting his  large  and  growing  retail  trade  must 
continue  to  assure  him  a  liberal  patronage. 


112 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Bridgeport  Paper  Box  Co  ,  Manufacturers  of 
Paper  Boxes,  and  dealers  iu  Paper  and  Twine,  76 
Middle  Street. — One  of  the  most  curious  as  well 
as  one  of  the  most  useful  manufactured  products 
of  the  present  day  is  paper.  It  enters  so  largely 
into  every-day  use  that  it  is  difficult  to  see  how 
we  could  dispense  with  it  at  all,  and  a  sudden 
stoppage  or  even  a  serious  curtailment  of  its  pro- 
duction would  inevitably  cause  much  inconveni- 
ence and  even  distress.  The  uses  of  paper  are 
as  various  and  different  as  they  are  important, 
for  not  only  is  it  consumed  for  the  purposes  with 
which  all  are  familiar,  but  paper  car-wheels, 
paper  boats  and  paper  images  are  now  made  in 
the  ordinary  course  of  trade.  One  of  the  best- 
known  uses  of  paper  is  in  the  form  of  paper 
boxes,  which  by  the  aid  of  improved  machinery 
are  now  manufactured  and  sold  at  marvelously 
low  prices.  One  of  the  largest  factories  in  New 
England  devoted  to  this  industry  is  that  of  the 
Bridgeport  Paper  Box  Co.,  located  at  No.  76 
Middle  street.  Three  floors  are  occupied  of  the 
dimensions  of  60x30  feet,  and  150  hands  are  em- 
ployed. The  company  began  business  about 
eleven  years  ago,  so  that  its  present  enormous 
business  has  been  built  up  in  a  remarkably  short 
time.  The  concern  is  made  up  of  Messrs.  E.  N. 
White  and  E.  W.  Smith,  both  these  gentlemen 
being  natives  of  Waterbury.  In  addition  to 
paper  boxes,  paper  and  twine  are  also  extensively 
dealt  in. 

Plumb  &  Beardsley,  Post  Office  News  Room, 
40  Bank  Street. — A  very  convenient  feature  of 
city  life  is  the  ease  with  which  one  can  subscribe 
for  a  magazine,  newspaper  or  other  publication  by 
dropping  in  at  some  reliable  house  which  makes 
a  specialty  in  periodicals,  etc. ,  and  there  leaving 
your  order  for  anything  you  may  desire.  The 
oldest  and  leading  representative  Bridgeport 
house  in  this  line  of  business  is  that  conducted  by 
Plumb  &  Beardsley,  better  known  perhaps  as  the 
Post  Office  News  Room. 

This  establishment  was  founded  in  1859  by 
Mr.  Andrew  F.  Wales,  and  afterwards  conduct- 
ed by  Mrs.  Lucy  Wales,  succeeded  in  1880  by 
Mr.  P.  Kane  and  again  in  1885  by  the  present 
firm.  This  house  will  receive  orders  and  fur- 
nish all  magazines,  newspapers,  American  and 
foreign,  and  will  guarautee  the  prompt  and  regular 
delivery  of  the  publications  ordered  through  them. 

The  building  No  40  Bank  street  is  occupied,  and 
employment  is  given  to  twelve  assistants.  The 
house  aside  from  its  periodical  and  newspaper 
trade  carry  on  a  very  large  business  in  books  and 
stationery,  keep  all  the  latest  novelties,  and  are 
the  only  house  in  the  city  that  carry  a  complete 
line  of  Harper  Handy  Series,  Franklin  Square, 
Lovell's,  Munroe,  Cassell,  and  Pocket  Seasides. 

The  individual  members  of  the  firm  are  Messrs. 
L.  D.  Plumb  who  has  had  sixteen  years'  experi 
ence  with  the  house,  formerly  with  Mrs.  Wales 
and  afterwards  with  Mr.  Kane,  and  thoroughly 
understands  the  business  in  all  its  details.  W. 
H.  Beardsley  has  conducted  successfully  the 
paper  agency  of  the  Naugatuck  R.  R.  and 
through  the  Naugatuck  Valley  for  many  years, 
therefore  they  are  both  well  qualified,  and  are 
gentlemen  of  energy,  enterprise  and  experience 
and  highly  esteemed  throughout  the  city  and 
surrounding  country. 


J.  E.  Porter,  Dealer  in  Beef,  Veal,  Mutton, 
Hams,  Poultry,  Vegetables,  etc.,  corner  Warren 
Street  and  R.  R.  Avenue. — We  have  before  re- 
marked upon  the  character  of  those  enterprises 
which  have  done  much  to  promote  this  city  as  a 
trade  center.  Taking  up  such  industries' in  de- 
tail, however,  it  becomes  necessary  to  devote  a 
brief  space  at  least  to  the  house  of  J.  E.  Porter, 
which  in  the  meat  and  vegetable  trade  occu- 
pies a  prominent  position  in  the  commercial 
community  and  is  entitled  to  due  consideration. 
This  store  was  established  in  1883  by  its  present 
proprietor. 

The  premises  occupied  for  the  transaction  of 
this  extensive  retail  trade  are  located  at  the  cor- 
ner of  Warren  street  and  Railroad  avenue,  cover- 
ing an  area  of  20x35  feet  and  are  well  stocked 
with  a  choice  selection  of  beef,  veal,  mutton, 
ham,  poultry,  vegetables,  etc. 

The  services  of  two  very  capable  assistants  are 
required  in  the  discharge  of  the  many  details  of 
the  house,  which  are  under  the  direct  supervis- 
ion of  the  proprietor,  who  is  experienced  in  his 
line  of  business. 

Mr.  Porter  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport  and  a 
highly  respected  member  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  and  it  is  with  pleasure  that  we  commend 
his  market  to  the  residents  of  this  community. 

Howard  H.  Scribner,  Real  Estate,  Loan 
Agency  and  Fire  Insurance,  10  Franklin  Block. 
— One  of  the  most  active  and  successful  real 
estate  and  insurance  agents  in  this  city  is  Mr. 
Howard  H.  Scribner,  whose  office  is  at  No.  10 
Franklin  Block  (corner  Main  and  State  streets). 
This  gentleman  began  business  thirteen  years 
ago,  and  has  established  a  large  patronage  in 
both  branches  of  his  profession  by  the  zeal  and 
ability  with  which  he  has  served  his  customers. 
Any  of  our  readers  who  may  wish  to  buy,  sell, 
exchange  or  rent  a  dwelling  house  or  building- 
lot,  would  do  well  to  give  Mr.  Scribner  a  call, 
as  he  is  in  a  position  to  render  them  material 
aid  in  attaining  any  or  all  of  these  objects.  He 
is  prepared  to  give  prompt  and  conscientious 
attention  to  the  various  duties  of  a  real  estate 
agent,  and  his  record  in  this  respect  in  the  past 
is  sufficient  guarantee  of  his  ability  to  do  so.  A 
loan  agency  is  also  conducted,  through  which 
money  maybe  loaned  or  borrowed  at  five  and  six 
per  cent,  interest  on  city  real  estate  security. 

Mr.  Scribner  is  agent  for  the  following  reliable 
and  popular  fire  insurance  companies:  Girard, 
Philadelphia,  Pa.;  Firemen's,  Newark,  N.  J., 
and  Hamburg,  Bremen,  Germany.  He  has 
written  many  policies  in  these  companies,  and  is 
prepared  to  take  additional  desirable  risks.  He 
is  thoroughly  familiar  with  city  property,  as  his 
long  experience  has  afforded  abundant  oppor- 
tunity to  study  it  carefully  and  well. 

Lee  &  Ketcham,  Dealers  in  Choice  Fruits  and 
Fancy  Groceries,  20  Fairfield  Avenue. — As  an 
important  factor  in  the  growth  and  general  pro- 
gress of  the  city  the  grocery  trade  has  played  no 
insignificant  part,  as  can  be  illustrated  by  the  de- 
tailed history  of  the  above-named  house,  which 
was  established  eleven  years  ago.  It  is  located 
at  20  Fairfield  avenue,  occupying  three  floors, 
each  24x85  feet,  where  a  large  and  well-selected 
stock  of  staple  aud  fancy  groceries  is  carried. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


113 


The  extensive  retail  trade  of  this  house  gives 
employment  to  three  competent  clerks,  who  are 
conversant  with  the  business  in  all  its  details. 
This  house  was  first  established  by  Mr.  Henry 
Lee,  and  after  six  years  of  prosperity  Mr.  Charles 
J.  Ketcham  was  admitted  as  partner  to  the  firm, 
and  for  the  past  five  years  the  business  has  been 
conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  Lee  & 
Ketcham.  They  carry  an  extensive  and  com- 
plete stock  of  groceries  of  all  descriptions,  also 
deal  extensively  in  choice  fruits  of  all  kinds,  and 
all  goods  to  be  found  in  a  first-class  establish- 
ment of  this  kind.  The  most  watchful  care  is 
exercised  by  this  firm  under  all  circumstances, 
and  particular  attention  is  paid  to  the  filling  of 
orders  and  goods  are  delivered  to  all  parts  of  the 
city  wiih  promptness  and  dispatch.  The  mem- 
bers of  this  firm  are  both  experienced  and  practi- 
cal men. 

F.  D.  Randall,  Druggist,  204  State  Street.— 
Of  the  druggists  anddealers  in  medicines  of 
Bridgeport,  "here  is  no  establishment  which 
bears  a  higher  character  among  the  people  of 
this  city  for  fair  dealings  and  first-class  goods 
than  that  of  Mr.  F.  D.  Randall,  located  at  204 
State  street.  This  house  was  established  in  April, 
1887,  and  although  of  such  very  recent  inception, 
it  is  classed  with  the  most  popular  and  finely- 
appointed  establishments  of  its  kind  in  the  city. 
Mr.  Randall  keeps  a  full  line  of  pure  drugs, 
patent  medicines,  chemicals,  and  a  full  line  of 
toilet  articles,  including  soaps,  sponges,  brushes, 
combs,  etc.,  also  fancy  goods  and  perfumery. 
The  premises  occupied  cover  an  area  of  40x20 
feet,  and  are  handsomely  fitted  up  with  all  the 
requisites  necessary  for  the  prosecution  of  the  re- 
tail trade  in  the  above-named  profession.  The 
utmost  care  is  taken  in  compounding  physicians' 
prescriptions  and  family  receipts.  Only  safe  and 
reliable  pharmacists  are  employed,  and  the  en 
tire  management  of  the  business  is  under  the 
direct  personal  supervision  of  the  proprietor,  who 
is  well  worthy  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  this 
community.  Mr.  Randall  is  a  native  of  Brook- 
haven,  N.  Y. 

Having  had  a  large  experience  in  the  drug 
business  and  being  a  licentiate  of  New  York  and 
Connecticut  State  Boards  of  Pharmacy,  he  is 
now  prepared  to  dispense  drugs  and  medicines 
with  accuracy  and  dispatch,  and  is  too  well 
known  to  require  personal  remarks  at  our  hands, 
but  we  may  be  permitted  to  say  that  none  in  this 
trade  has  a  higher  reputation  for  reliability  in 
this  city  than  has  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Mrs.  W.  T.  Van  Yorx,  Dealer  in  Wools  and 
Embroidery  Materials,  Felts  and  Canvas,  Toys, 
and  Holiday  Goods,  etc.,  etc.,  No.  423  Main 
Street. — The  importance  of  an  enterprise  of  this 
character  in  a  large  city  like  Bridgeport  is  too 
apparent  to  need  comment.  We  have  here  a  de- 
pot for  the  supply  of  all  kinds  of  embroidery 
materials),  such  as  are  used  in  the  various  styles 
of  embroidery  and  fancy  work,  and  may  be  pro- 
perly classed  as  art  needle  work.  This  establish- 
ment was  founded  by  its  present  proprietor,  Mrs. 
W.  T.  Van  Yorx,  in  1871,  and  during  the  time 
since  elapsed  she  has  built  up  an  extensive  retail 
trade.  The  premises  utilized  for  this  branch  of 
industry  and  located  at  423  Main  street,  consists 


of  a  store  60x20  feet  in  dimensions,  with  base- 
ment for  storage  purposes.  The  fine  and  exten- 
sive stock  carried  at  this  house  embraces  a  large 
variety  of  wools  in  all  the  new  and  varied  shades 
so  much  used,  also  an  elegant  assortment  of 
embroidery  materials  of  all  kinds,  also  felts  and 
canvas.  In  addition  to  the  above-named  goods, 
Mrs.  Van  Yorx  deals  extensively  in  toys  and 
holiday  goods,  etc.,  etc.  Employment  is  given 
to  four  very  capable  assistants,  and  the  citizens 
of  this  community,  especially  the  ladies,  will 
find  this  store  headquarters  for  all  the  desirable 
supplies  in  the  above-named  line  of  goods.  Mrs. 
Van  Yorx  is  a  fair  and  honorable  business  wo- 
man in  all  her  transactions,  and  she  enjoys  one 
of  the  largest  trades  in  this  line  in  Bridgeport. 

W.  E.  Wills,  Choice  Family  Groceries,  58 
State  Street  (between  Main  Street  and  the  Post- 
office). — The  grocery  trade  is  one  of  Bridgeport's 
most  important  industries.  Of  the  many  who 
are  fairly  entitled  to  this  distinction,  none  deserve 
more  notice  than  W.  E.  Wills,  located  at  No.  58 
State  street  (between  Main  street  and  the  Post- 
office). 

The  store  occupied  covers  an  area  of  18x65 
feet,  thus  giving  ample  room  for  properly  con- 
ducting the  business.  The  stock,  which  is  large 
and  well  selected,  consists  of  staple  and  fancy 
groceries,  teas,  coffees,  spices,  sugar,  flour,  but- 
ter, cheese,  eggs,  syrups,  etc.,  also  a  full  assort- 
ment of  the  finest  canned  goods  in  the  market, 
and  at  the  most  reasonable  prices.  The  large 
trade  extends  throughout  the  city  and  vicinity 
and  is  exclusively  retail.  The  business  was  es- 
tablished seven  years  ago  by  W.  R.  Miller,  it 
having  been  under  the  present  management  for 
the  past  four  years.  Four  clerks  are  employed, 
and  all  customers  are  waited  upon  in  an  atteniive 
and  courteous  manner.  All  orders  are  promptly 
filled,  and  goods  are  delivered  to  all  parts  of  the 
city  free  of  charge. 

Mr.  W.  E.  Wills  is  a  native  of  Canada,  and  is 
well  and  favorably  known  throughout  the  city. 

In  conclusion,  we  may  say  that  he  conducts  his 
business  on  a  sound  basis  and  in  a  liberal  manner. 

R.  Plalzgraf,  Proprietor  of  South  End  Market, 
113  Main  Street. — Among  the  many  and  varied 
commercial  industries  pursued  in  Bridgeport, 
that  branch  devoted  to  the  handling  of  meats, 
fish  and  vegetables,  forms  an  important  part  of 
her  trade,  and  prominent  among  the  many  estab- 
lishments utilized  for  this  purpose  is  the  South 
End  Market,  which  was  founded  in  1886  by  Mr. 
R.  Plalzgraf,  who  conducts  a  strictly  first-class 
market,  located  at  113  Main  street,  comprising 
one  floor  and  basement,  each  40x30  feet  iu  di- 
mensions. 

The  stock  carried  embraces  a  complete  and 
choice  variety  of  meats,  poultry,  fish,  fruits  and 
vegetables. 

This  house  offers  the  best  of  inducements,  both 
as  regards  prices  and  quality,  which  in  the  end 
cannot  fail  to  attract  and  hold  a  large  share  of 
patronage  and  support. 

Mr.  Plalzgraf  is  a  native  of  Germany.  We  may 
be  pardoned  for  saying,  in  conclusion,  that  the 
standing  and  reputation  achieved  by  him  are 
such  as  to  warrant  the  entire  confidence  of  cus- 
tomers. 


114 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


F.  G.  Gates,  Pharmacist,  187  East  Washing- 
ton Avenue. — A  tine  appearing  and  well -fitted- 
up  pharmaceutical  establishment  is  that  of  which 
Mr.  F.  G.  Gates  is  the  genial  and  popular  pro- 
prietor, located  at  No.  187  East  Washington 
avenue.  It  was  founded  over  twenty  years  ago, 
by  Mr.  George  Main,  the  present  owner  having 
been  in  possession  about  two  years. 

The  store  occupied  is  of  the  dimensions  of  30x 
50  feet,  and  as  before  remarked  is  very  finely 
appointed,  containing  all  the  modern  facilities 
for  carrying  on  a  first-class  pharmacy.  Two 
courteous  and  efficient  assistants  are  in  attend- 
ance, and  customers  will  receive  early  and  polite 
attention.  A  very  large  and  complete  stock  of 
drugs,  medicines,  etc.,  is  on  hand,  and  every- 
thing is  guaranteed  to  be  of  standard  quality  and 
reliable  manufacture.  Physicians'  prescriptions 
are  compounded  promptly  and  accurately,  and 
as  a  specialty  is  made  of  this  branch  of  trade, 
satisfaction  is  confidently  warranted.  All  the 
drugs,  etc.,  used  are  fresh  and  free  from  adultera- 
tion, and  no  doubt  most  of  our  readers  under- 
stand the  importance  of  these  points  in  this 
connection.  Toilet  requisites  and  fancy  articles 
are  on  hand  in  great  variety,  and  all  prices  will 
compare  favorably  with  those  of  any  similar 
establishment  ia  town. 

Smith  &  Havens,  Groceries,  Provisions  and 
Fruits,  303  East  Main  Street,  Corner  Crescent 
Avenue. — Prominent  among  our  young  and 
enterprising  business  men,  located  in  East 
Bridgeport,  and  engaged  in  the  grocery  and 
provision  line  of  trade,  are  the  Messrs.  Smith 
&  Havens.  They  established  their  business  in 
1886,  and  although  it  is  only  one  year  since 
their  commencement,  they  have  by  their  energy 
and  enterprise  succeeded  in  establishing  an 
extensive  and  lucrative  trade  among  some  of 
our  first  families. 

The  store  occupied  by  them  is  located  at  303 
East  Main  street,  corner  Crescent  avenue,  and 
covers  an  area  of  24x50  feet,  and  is  finely  ar- 
ranged for  the  conduct  of  their  business.  Their 
large  and  varied  stock  of  goods  consist  of  gro- 
ceries, provisions  and  fruit,  which  will  be  found 
on  inspection  to  be  first  class  in  every  respect. 
The  extensive  retail  trade  gives  employment  to 
two  thoroughly  competent  clerks,  and  the  details 
of  the  business  are  handled  in  a  very  efficient 
manner. 

Messrs.  Smith  &  Havens  make  a  specialty  of 
butter,  cheese  and  eggs,  which  are  received 
direct  from  the  producer,  and  are  guaranteed  to 
be  the  best  in  the  market. 

Messrs.  Clayton  L.  Smith  and  Elmer  H. 
Havens  are  both  natives  of  Connecticut,  and 
young  men,  whose  rare  business  ability  is  dis- 
played in  the  manner  in  which  they  have  man- 
aged their  business,  and  the  citizens  of  Bridge- 
port may  justly  be  proud  that  among  her  citizens 
are  to  be  found  such  energetic  and  reliable 
men. 

M.  M.  Wallace,  Bakery  and  Confectionery, 
195  Noble  Avenue,  East  Bridgeport. — The 
premises  occupied  by  this  establishment  are  very 
conveniently  located  at  No.  195  Noble  avenue, 
and  are  conducted  by  Mr.  M.  M.  Wallace  in  a 
very  satisfactory  manner. 


The  store  is  30x25  feet  in  dimensions,  the 
basement  also  being  used  for  the  manufacture  of 
their  goods.  The  stock  is  very  attractively 
arranged  and  neatly  kept,  and  consists  of  a  full 
line  of  bread,  cakes,  pastry,  etc.,  also  pure  con- 
fectionery of  all  kinds.  Polite  and  attentive 
assistants  are  on  hand  and  wait  upon  customers 
in  a  prompt  and  intelligent  manner.  The  business 
is  very  extensive  and  is  both  wholesale  and 
retail. 

Mr.  Minot  M.  Wal'ace  established  this  enter- 
prise in  1875,  and  has  since  conducted  it  in  a 
highly  creditable  manner,  both  to  himself  and 
his  customers.  He  is  a  native  of  White  Plains, 
N.  Y.,  and  is  well  and  favorably  known  through- 
out Bridgeport. 

We  think  it  quite  within  our  province  to 
commend  this  establishment  to  our  readers,  and 
to  assure  them  that  nothing  will  be  left  undone 
to  make  business  transactions  between  them- 
selves and  their  customers  entirely  satisfactory. 

E.  G.  Paddock,  Dealer  in  Meats  and  Grocer- 
ies, 190  Noble  Avenue. — Occupying  commodious 
and  attractive  quarters  at  190  Noble  avenue,  Mr. 
E.  G.  Paddock  has  for  four  years  past  conducted 
a  large  and  flourishing  grocery  and  provision 
business  and  his  establishment  is  the  leading 
market  and  source  of  family  supply  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  city. 

The  premises  are  30x50  feet  in  dimensions  and 
always  present  a  most  inviting  appearance.  A 
large  assortment  of  the  finest  fresh  and  cured 
meats  is  kept  in  stock,  which  comprises  canned 
goods,  vegetables,  flour,  and  provisions  of  stand- 
ard excellence.  Mr.  Paddock  makes  a  specialty 
of  pure  teas  and  coffees  and  of  fine  butter,  and 
supplies  merchandise  of  this  description  of 
choicest  quality  at  reasonable  rates,  guaranteeing 
satisfaction  in  every  particular. 

Zealous  to  maintain  the  reputation  of  his  estab- 
lishment as  a  most  desirable  place  to  obtain  pro- 
visions, Mr.  Paddock  has  always  been  held  in 
high  esteem  and  his  punctuality  in  filling  orders 
and  delivering  merchandise,  and  his  honorable 
methods  have  brought  him  universal  commenda- 
tion. 

Mr.  Paddock  is  a  native  of  Vermont  and  is  one 
of  Bridgeport's  most  estimable  citizens  and  re- 
putable business  men. 

G.  A.  Northrop,  Livery,  Boarding  and  Sales 
Stables,  No.  20  Harriet  Street. — Prominent 
among  the  first-class  livery  stables  of  East 
Bridgeport  is  the  old  established  and  largely  pat- 
ronized enterprise  carried  on  by  Mr.  G.  A.  Nor- 
throp at  No.  20  Harriet  street.  It  was  founded 
by  Mr.  Andrew  Lines  eighteen  years  ago  and  has 
been  in  the  possession  of  its  present  proprietor 
about  eight  years. 

The  stable  proper  is  two  stories  in  height  and 
of  the  dimensions  of  30x90  feet,  and  there  is  a 
commodious  building  adjoining  which  is  used  as 
a  carriage  house.  These  facilities  afford  a 
capacity  for  twenty-six  head  of  stock  and  have 
proved  to  be  none  too  large  for  the  business 
done.  First-class  carriages  and  buggies  are  to 
let  at  all  hours  and  as  Mr.  Northrop  takes  a  good 
deal  of  pride  in  the  appearance  of  all  turnouts 
coming  from  his  stables,  one  may  feel  assured  of 
securing  a  stylish  and  presentable  team  at  this 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


115 


establishment.  Very  reasonable  prices  are 
charged  and  every  effort  is  made  to  give  perfect 
satisfaction  to  every  customer.  Horses  will  be 
taken  to  board  and  given  the  best  of  care  and 
food,  and  as  an  extensive  sales  department  is  car- 
ried on  in  connection  with  the  stables,  those  de- 
siring to  purchase  a  horse  would  do  well  to  give 
Mr.  Northrop  a  call. 

He  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport  and  a  very  promi- 
nent citizen,  being  a  member  of  the  Board  of 
Public  Works,  a  position  which  shows  the  confi- 
dence and  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  the  resi- 
dents of  this  city. 

Curtis  Brothers,  No.  1G3  East  Washington 
Avenue,  Dealers  in  Stoves,  Furnaces,  Ranges, 
Refrigerators,  Oil  Stoves  and  Tinware. — While 
handling  an  extensive  line  of  all  the  leading 
manufactures  in  the  several  lines  mentioned,  the 
firm  are  the  special  selling  agents  for  the  Boyn- 
ton  Furnace  Co.'s 
entire  line  of  fur- 
naces, consisting  of 
over  ninety  different 
styles  and  sizes,  and 
altogether  compris 
ing  the  most  com- 
plete line  made  by 
any  one  concern  in 
the  United  States. 
The  reputation  of 
the  Boynton  goods 
as  regards  durability 
and  superior  me- 
chanical construc- 
tion is  world  wide, 
■.  they  having  been 
on  the  market  for 
,  over  forty  years. 
:i  Messrs.  Curtis 
Bros,  set  annually 
from  thirty  to  fifty  furnaces,  and  always  keep  on 
hand  at  their  store  rooms  a  full  line — a  stranger 
point  in  favor  of  the  durability  of  these  goods 
could  not  be  given  than  the  fact  that  although 
they  have  sold  so  large  a  number  and  for  a 
period  of  over  four  years,  they  have  not  sold 
$3.00  worth  of  repairs.  The  exclusive  sale  of 
The  New  Household  Range  is  also  held  by  this 
house.  This  range  stands  to  day  without  a  rival. 
It  is  new,  original,  has  all  the  latest  improve- 
ments, including  the  celebrated  triangular  grate 
and  ventilated  oven,  is  mounted  by  superior 
workmen  only,  and  in  point  of  style  and  finish 
is  unequaled,  is  made  in  all  styles,  and  is  fitted 
for  hot  water,  coal  or  wood.  There  are  now  in 
use  over  400  of  these  ranges  in  this  city,  which 
fact  is  the  best  evidence  that  can  be  given  as  to 
their  merits.  To  any  person  about  to  buy  a 
first-class  range,  we  invite  a  perusal  of  the  above 
400  names,  which  can  be  seen  at  our  office.  The 
agency  for  the  Jewett  refrigerator,  the  New 
Crown  and  Dietz  oil  stoves,  is  also  held  by  this 
firm,  and  examination  of  these  goods  and  the 
fact  that  they  have  been  on  the  market  for 
twenty-five  years  will  convince  any  practical 
buyer  of  their  superiority. 

In  their  jobbing  department,  Messrs.  Curtis 
Bros,  have  given  such  satisfaction  that  their  force 
has  been  obliged  to  be  increased  from  one  to  ten 
practical^,  and  experienced  men,    who  are  con- 


stantly employed  on  steam,  gas,  plumbing  and 
furnace  work.  Special  attention  Las  been  given 
to  this  department,  and  the  most  approved  tools 
and  machinery  purchased;  for  this  reason  all 
work  is  guaranteed  by  them  to  be  as  low  as  pos- 
sible consistent  with  first-class  work. 

A.  W.  Peard  &  Co.,  Dealer  in  Fine  Groceries, 
185  East  Washington  Avenue. — A  widely-known 
grocery  store,  which  enjoys  an  extensive  and 
thriving  trade  is  that  conducted  by  Mr.  A.  W. 
Peard,  successor  to  W.  R.  Palmer,  at  No.  185 
East  Washington  avenue. 

This  business  was  established  some  twelve 
years  ago,  and  has  secured  a  firm  hold  on  popu- 
lar favor  by  reason  of  the  honorable  business 
methods  employed,  and  the  great  variety  and 
excellence  of  the  goods  offered. 

The  premises  occupied  are  of  the  dimensions 
of  24x60  feet,  and  three  efficient  and  obliging 
clerks  are  at  hand  to  minister  to  the  wants  of 
customers. 

A  very  large  and  complete  stock  is  carried, 
comprising  full  lines  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries 
of  all  descriptions,  and  great  care  is  taken  to 
sell  none  but  reliable  goods.  Teas,  coffees,  and 
spices  of  perfect  purity  and  delicate  flavor  are 
offered  at  the  lowest  market  rates,  and  the  sup- 
ply of  canned  fruits,  vegetables,  etc.,  contains 
the  productions  of  the  most  reputable  and 
reliable  packing  houses.  All  the  standard 
grades  of  flour  are  in  stock,  and  are  sold  by  the 
bag  or  barrel  at  prices  that  will  bear  the  strictest 
scrutiny.  Goods  are  delivered  promptly  and 
guaranteed  as  represented  in  all  respects. 

Mr.  Peard  is  a  native  of  Hartford,  and  con- 
ducts two  other  stores  in  that  city. 


Theo.  Leavenworth,  House  Furnishing  Goods, 
Hardware  and  Paints,  169  East  Washington 
Avenue. — Among  the  successful  business  enter- 
prises in  this  part  of  the  city,  the  House  Furnish- 
ing Goods  establishment  of  Theo.  Leavenworth 
occupies  a  prominent  position.  This  business 
was  established  in  1871  by  its  present  proprietor, 
who  has  been  successful  in  building  up  his  pres- 
ent prosperous  trade.  The  premises  are  located 
at  169  East  Washington  avenue  and  are  20x50 
feet  in  size,  where  may  be  found  a  full  and  com- 
plete stock  of  everything  in  the  house  furnishing 
goods  line  including  glassware,  lamps,  crockery 
and  silverware.  Through  his  enterprise  and 
perseverance  Mr.  Leavenworth  has  built  up  an 
extensive  and  lucrative  retail  trade,  which  neces- 
sitates the  employment  of  two  clerks,  who  are 
courteous  and  attentive  to  all  patrons.  In  con- 
nection with  the  house  furnishing  goods  this 
house  conducts  an  extensive  trade  in  hardware 
and  paints.  Mr.  Leavenworth's  fifteen  years' 
experience  in  this  business  has  given  him  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  all  its  details,  and  his 
business  is  conducted  upon  principles  of  the 
strictest  integrity  and  most  advanced  liberality, 
and  it  is  with  pleasure  that  we  commend  our 
readers  in  want  of  the  above  named  goods  to 
this  establishment,  which  has  such  a  wide- 
spread reputation  for  fair  and  honorable  dealings. 
Mr.  Theo.  Leavenworth  is  a  native  of  Connecti- 
cut and  a  geutleman  who  is  held  in  high  social 
esteem. 


116 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


West  End  Shoe  Store,  also  Hats,  Caps  and 
Gent's  Furnishings,  Corner  State  Street  and 
Howard  Avenue. — The  boot  and  shoe  interests 
of  Bridgeport  form  a  very  important  item  of  its 
commercial  undertakings,  and  is  represented  by 
a  class  of  houses  which  stand  unusually  high, 
both  in  point  of  magnitude,  reputation  and  in- 
dividual enterprise.  Of  them  not  the  least  men- 
tionable  is  that  known  as  the  "  West  End  Shoe 
Store,"  and  conducted  by  Mr.  Geo.  H.  Wliite, 
as  manager,  whose  business  was  instituted  in 
February,  1887,  which  lie  has  since  continued 
with  unusual  success.  The  premises  utilized  for 
the  bu  iness  are  located  at  the  corner  of  State 
street  and  Howard  avenue,  and  consist  of  a  store 
40x25  feet  in  dimensions,  which  is  well  stocked 
with  a  first  class  assortment  of  boots  and  shoes 
of  every  description.  In  addition  to  the  above- 
named  branch  of  trade,  Mr.  White  carries  a  full 
line  of  hats,  caps,  and  gent's  furnishing  goods, 
which  are  always  sold  at  the  lowest  prices  in  the 
city.  The  trade  of  the  house  extends  throughout 
the  city  and  vicinity. 

Mr.  White  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport,  and  has 
a  thorough  and  complete  knowledge  of  all  the  de- 
tails of  the  business,  gained  by  long  experience. 
He  is  well  and  favorably  known  throughout  this 
community,  of  which  he  is  an  active  and  enter- 
prising citizen. 

O.  S.  Lupton,  Dealer  in  Groceries,  Meats  and 
Vegetables,  364  Fairfield  Avenue. — One  of  the 
most  important  grocery  establishments  in  this 
section  of  the  city  is  that  of  Mr.  C.  S.  Lupton, 
located  at  No.  364  Fairfield  avenue.  This  is  an 
enterprising  house,  and  the  store  is  admirably 
adapted  to  the  business.  The  stock  carried  com- 
prises choice  meats,  fine  groceries,  flour,  butter, 
foreign  and  domestic  fruits,  and  the  supplies 
generally  found  in  a  first-class  grocery  and  pro- 
vision store-house.  An  excellent  trade  is  done 
in  the  vicinity,  the  proprietor  being  alive  to  the 
wants  of  the  public.  Customers  are  attended  to 
with  politeness  and  dispatch,  and  goods  are  de- 
livered promptly.  The  stock  is  a  large  one,  em- 
bracing syrup,  molasses,  teas,  coffees,  spices,  and 
canned  fruit  in  variety. 

Employment  is  given  to  several,  and  the  great- 
est attention  is  given  to  customers.  The  business 
was  established  about  two  years  ago,  and  has 
been  successful  from  the  start. 

Mr.  Lupton  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport,  and  a 
stirring  active  man,  and  one  who  seems  to  have 
gained  the  entire  respect  of  the  community,  both 
for  business  ability  and  integrity. 

W.  L.  Ferris,  D.D.S.,  Dental  Rooms,  354 
Main  Street. — There  are  many  dentists  in  every 
city  or  town  but  unfortunately  many  of  them  are 
inexperienced  and  unequal  to  execute  the  work 
required  of  them,  while  on  the  other  hand  there 
are  those  who  are  thorough  masters  of  their  pro- 
fession, regular  graduates  of  a  dental  college  and 
have  made  their  profession  a  study,  in  order  to 
perfect  themselves  in  its  many  branches.  In 
this  connection  we  would  call  the  attention  of 
all  to  Dr.  W.  L.  Ferris,  whose  spacious  and  well 
appointed  dental  parlors  are  located  at  No.  354 
Main  street. 

This  gentleman  is  a  dentist  of  experience  in 
every  branch  of  his  profession  and  has  been  es- 


tablished here  since  1875.  He  is  a  graduate  of 
the  Pennsylvania  College  of  Dental  Surgery  and 
is  prepared  to  fill,  clean,  straighten  or  otherwise 
improve  the  condition  of  the  teeth.  Also  makes 
artificial  teeth  in  a  very  natural  manner  and  at 
most  reasonable  prices.  He  has  an  experienced 
assistant  in  Dr.  C.  F.  Gibbs  who  is  also  a  practi- 
cal operator,  and  employs  three  other  skilled 
dentists  in  his  extensive  profession.  His  parlors 
are  centrally  located  and  are  well  arranged  for 
the  extensive  patronage  he  enjoys.  They  cover 
an  area  of  50x25  feet  and  are  divided  into  recep- 
tion and  operating  rooms,  etc. 

Dr.  Ferris  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport  and  is  too 
well  and  favorably  known  to  need  any  personal 
comment  at  our  hands. 

Bennett  &  Healy,  Horse  Shoeing  and  General 
Jobbing,  Court  Street. — One  of  the  most  necessa- 
ry and  convenient  institutions  of  the  times  is  a 
well  conducted  blacksmith  shop,  and  the  one  to 
which  we  refer  here  is  well-known  as  the  best 
arranged  and  most  ably  conducted  establishment 
of  its  kind  in  Bridgeport.  The  proprietors, 
Messrs.  Bennett  &  Healy,  are  artists  of  merit  in 
their  line. 

Their  shop  is  located  on  Court  street  and  covers 
an  area  of  70x35  feet  in  dimensions  and  is  gener- 
ously supplied  with  all  the  modern  and  improved 
appliances  requisite  for  the  prosecution  of  their 
large  and  extensive  custom  blacksmithing.  The 
energies  of  this  firm  are  devoted  to  horse  shoe- 
ing. The  shoeing  of  lame,  interfering  and  gen- 
tlemen's road  horses  a  specialty.  No  one  who 
has  any  regard  for  the  comfort  of  his  horse  will 
be  careless  as  to  how  he  is  shod,  and  those  at  all 
acquainted  with  the  habits  of  horses  know  how 
much  their  comfort,  safety  and  speed  depends  on 
the  knowledge  of  tbeir  shoer.  Thus  it  is  quite 
important  that  we  should  mention  in  this 
work  the  above-named  firm,  which  have  attained 
a  celebrity  for  trustworthiness  and  skill  in  their 
trade. 

This  establishment  was  founded  in  1887  by  its 
present  proprietors.  Mr.  J.  B.  Bennett  is  a  na- 
tive of  Connecticut,  and  Mr.  Healy  of  Massachu- 
setts. Both  gentlemen  have  had  years  of  experi- 
ence in  the  business,  which  has  given  them  a 
knowledge  possessed  by  but  few  others  in  this  trade. 

O.  Bray,  Dealer  in  Choice  Beef,  Pork, 
Poultry,  Fish,  Vegetables,  etc.,  Market  Corner 
Main  and  Whiting  Streets,  below  South  Avenue. 
— Among  the  many  meat  markets  in  Bridgeport 
we  know  of  none  more  deserving  of  praise  than 
that  of  Mr.  C.  A.  Bray,  located  at  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Whiting  streets,  not  only  from  the 
choice  line  of  meat,  etc.,  to  be  found  here;  but 
also  from  its  uniformly  neat  and  attractive  ap- 
pearance. 

Mr.  Bray  established  this  market  in  1884,  and 
has  experienced  a  rapid  increase  of  trade. 

The  premises  occupied  embrace  a  store  18x40 
feet  in  area,  well  arranged  for  the  disposal  of  the 
stock,  as  well  as  cold  storage  for  his  meats,  etc. 
His  trade  is  exclusively  retail,  and  his  patrons 
are  very  numerous  in  this  vicinity.  He  keeps 
constantly  on  hand  a  fresh  assortment  of  choice 
cuts  of  beef,  pork  and  ham;  also,  poultry,  lard, 
etc.,  fish,  clams,  oysters  and  vegetables  of  all 
descriptions  in  their  season. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT 


117 


Thes-e  goods  be  sells  at  remarkably  low  prices, 
and  in  every  instance  they  will  be  found  exactly 
as  represented.  Orders  are  promptly  filled  and 
delivered,  and  several  attentive  assistants  are 
ever  ready  to  wait  upon  customers.  _ 

Mr  Bray  is  a  native  of  the  city,  has  had 
twenty-four  years  experience  in  the  business, 
and  is  universally  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him. 

C.  W.  Hall,  Manufacturer  of  Trucks,  also  Light 
and  Heavy  Vehicles  of  Every  Description,  No 
15  Housatonic  Avenue.— In  tbe  manufacture  of 
hardly  any  article  in  common  use  is  more  faith- 
ful and  honest  work  required  to  achieve  satisfac- 
tory results  than  in  that  of  wagons  and  other 
vehicles.  Subjected  as  they  are  to  great  and 
constantly  varying  strains  and  jars  of  every  descrip- 
tion the  wonder  is,  not  that  they  occasionally 
breakdown,  but  that  they  wear  half  aslongastbey 
do  It  requires  no  small  degree  of  mechanical 
skill  to  design  a  vehicle  that  will  be  strong 
enough  without  being  too  heavy  and  that  will  be 
as  well  adapted  as  possible  to  the  many  uses  to 
which  it  may  be  put,  and  the  selection  of  the 
materials  and  their  construction  into  the  finished 
article  is  of  itself  a  task  of  no  mean  magnitude. 
A  man  who  has  been  in  the  business  lor  twenty- 
seven  years  may  reasonably  be  expected  to  know- 
about  as  much  as  can  be  known  about  it,  and 
this  is  the  case  with  Mr.  C.  W.  Hall,  whose 
place  of  business  is  at  No.  15  Housatonic  avenue. 
Here  are  situated  his  store-houses  and  factory, 
among  them  being  one  three-story  building  40x 
60  feet  iu  dimensions  and  a  two-story  edifice  24x 
150  feet,  as  well  as  several  minor  structures. 

Fifty-seven  hands  are  employed  and  heavy 
trucks  as  well  as  vans,  wagons,  and  light  and 
heavy  vehicles  of  every  description  are  made  in 
larse  quantities. 

Mr.  Hall  is  a  native  of  thi?  city  and  one  of  our 
best  known  business  men.  His  long  experience 
and  extensive  operation  enable  him  to  purchase  his 
materials  to  the  best  advantage  and  he  gives  his 
customers  the  benefit  of  this  state  of  affairs, 
doing  the  very  best  of  work  and  furnishing  all 
kinds  of  vehicles  at  the  very  lowest  rates. 

A.  Ayre,  Tea,  Coffee  and  Provision  Merchant, 
174  Railroad  Avenue.  —  Among  the  various, 
popular  and  growing  enterprises  of  Bridgeport 
which  bears  the  marks  of  increasing  prosperity, 
is  the  establishment  of  A.  Ayre,  located  at  174 
Railroad  avenue. 

The  proprietor  established  this  business  in 
1877,  and  has  since  conducted  its  affairs  with 
increased  facilities  and  signal  success.  The 
premises  occupied  for  trade  purposes  comprise  a, 
store  20x40  feet  in  dimensions,  where  a  full  and 
complete  stock  of  teas,  coffees,  etc.,  are  kept. 
The  facilities  possessed  by  the  proprietor  for  ob- 
taining a  choice  supply  are  unsurpassed  by  any 
contemporary  concern. 

The  greatest  care  is  taken  by  Mr.  Ayre  in 
selecting  his  choice  stock  of  teas,  coffees  and  pro- 
visions, which  are  highly  esteemed  by  the  citizens 
of  Bridgeport  for  their  freshness  and  low  prices. 

Employment  is  given  to  two  clerks,  who  are 
polite  and  attentive  to  their  many  customers. 
Goods  are  promptly  delivered  to  all  parts  of  the 
city,  and  every  facility  is  at  hand  for  the  con- 
duct of  the  large  and  prosperous  retail  trade. 


Mr.  A.  Ayre  is  a  very  able  business  man,  and 
through  his  prompt  and  honorable  methods  the 
present  large  and  successful  business  has  been 
built  up,  which  has  won  for  him  an  eminently 
fine  reputation. 

Mr.  Ayre  was  formerly  well-known  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Japan  Tea  Company,  of  this  city. 

A.B.  Fairchild,  Insurance,  436  Main  Street, 
Wheeler's  Building— Of  all  the  many  wonderful 
outcomes  of  modern  civilization  and  human 
ingenuity,  few  if  any  are  more  marvelous  and 
far-reaching  than  is  insurance.  The  scheme  by 
which  perfect  strangers,  rivals  in  business,  per- 
sonal enemies  even,  are  made  to  contribute  to 
make  good  your  loss  by  fire,  accident,  personal 
injuries,  etc.,  and  this  without  their  hardly  real- 
izing it,  and  without  conveying  the  sting  of 
charity  or  the  galling  consciousness  of  depend- 
ence to  the  recipient,  can  hardly  fail  to  challenge 
our  admiration;  and,  although  like  all  other 
human  productions  there  is  always  room  for 
improvement  in  it,  it  is  still  accomplishing 
a  great  and  good  work. 

A  gentleman  who  is  very  prominently  identi- 
fied with  insurance  in  Bridgeport  and  vicinity  is 
Mr  A  B  Fairchild,  whose  office  is  at  No.  436 
Main  street,  Wheeler's  building.  The  business 
now  conducted  by  him  was  established  in  1867, 
by  Mr.  S.  McDonald,  the  present  owner  succeed- 
ing to  it  in  1874. 

'Mr.  Fairchild,  who  is  a  native  of  Trumbull, 
Ct.,  represents  the  following  companies:  Lion, 
Phamix,  British  American,  Sun,  Agricultural, 
New  Hampshire,  and  many  others.  He  is  pre- 
pared to  place  risks  in  any  of  the  above  reliable 
organizations  at  the  lowest  rates,  and  his  record 
in  the  past  is  sufficient  gua-antee  that  all  business 
entrusted  to  him  will  be  transacted  prompily. 


W.  H.  Worsam,  Architect,  Room  13  Wheeler 
Building,  436  Main  Street.— The  work  of  the 
architect  is  of  the  greatest  importance,  and  ow- 
ing to  its  nature  is  peculiarly  exposed  to  criti- 
cism to  a  degree  probably  greater  than  are  the 
efforts  of  any  of  the  other  professions. 

It  is  self-evident  that  the  appearance  of  a  city 
or  town  is  greatly  dependent  upon  the  skill  and 
taste  of  the  architects  within  its  borders,  and  as 
every  public-spirited  citizen  takes  a  pride  in  the 
looks  of  his  city,  it  is  surely  for  his  interest  to 
encourage  and  patronize  a  resident  architect  who 
shows  himself  to  be  worthy  of  such  treatment. 
Such  a  man  is  Mr.  W.  H.  Worsam,  who,  during 
the  years  which  he  has  practiced  his  profession 
here  has  been  entrusted  with  numerous  impor- 
tant commissions,  which  he  has  executed  in  the 
most  artistic  and  satisfactory  manner.  Among 
these  may  be  mentioned:  The  Knapp  &  Cowles 
Hardware  Factory;  The  Holmes  &  Edwards  New 
Plating  Shop;  "Recreation  Hall,"  for  P.  T. 
Barnum  Esq. ,  as  well  as  several  railroad  depots, 
including  that  at  Meriden,  New  Rochelle  Junc- 
tion, Stony  Creek  and  the  projected  new  depot 
at  Hartford  for  the  N.  Y.,  N.  H.  &  H  R.  R. 
Mr  Worsam  is  particularly  familiar  with  rail- 
road wants,  at  he  was  chief  draughtsman  for  the 
NY    N   H.  &  H.  R.  R.  for  three  years. 

He  is  a  native  of-  London,  England,  and  has 
many  friends  in  Bridgeport  and  vicinity. 


118 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Golden  Hill  Hotel,  Geo.  G.  Carr,  Prop.,  Nos.  ,  V.  Portelange,  Upholsterer,  734  Main  Street 
19,  21  and  23  Harrison  Street.— The  question  I  next  to  corner  East  Washington  Avenue  —An 
"where  shall  we  spend  the  summer"  is  one  that  I  experienced  and  thoroughly  practical  upholsterer 
is  probably  being  considered  already  in  a  number  i  may  be  found  at  No.  734  Main  street  in  the  per- 
of  households,  and  although  the  preference  felt '  son  of  Mr.  V.  Portelange,  late  with  the  represen- 
tor mountain,  sea-coast  or  river  scenery  will  of  I  tative  house  of  Marcotte  &  Co.  of  New  York 
course  in  a  great  measure  determine  the  choice  '  city.  Mr.  Portelange  is  prepared  to  execute  in  a 
made,  still,  if  the  vacation  is  to  be  thoroughly  j  first-class  manner  all  kinds  of  upholstering  and 
enjoyed,  the  hotel  accommodations  available  !  decorating  work;  curtains,  'shades  and  lambre- 
must  be  carefully  studied.  Many  people  make  j  quins  he  will  make  to  order  and  put  up-  repairs 
the  mistake  of  wandering  so  far  from  civilization  ;  and  varnishes  all  kinds  of  furniture,  lifts  and  re- 
lays carpets;  also  paints  and  upholsters  baby  car- 
riages at  reasonable  prices  and  in  a  highly  satis- 
factory manner.  Makes  to  order  or  repairs  mat- 
tresses and  does  all  kinds  of  chair  canina:,  etc. 


on  their  summer  pilgrimage  that  they  find  them- 
selves deprived  of  the  comforts  and  luxuries  to 
which  they  are  accustomed,  and  return  home 
weary  and  unrefreshed,  disgusted  with  summer 


hotels  m  general,  and  the  one  whicl^  they  pat-    Work  will  be  called  for  and  delivered,  or  done  at 

your  residence,  as  required,  and  all  charges  will 
be  found  to  be  most  reasonable  in  every  instance. 
Mr.  V.  Portelange  is  a  gentleman  of  wide  experi- 
ence in  the  business  and  although  in  business  in 
this  city  but  a  few  years  has  succeeded  in  com- 
manding a  large  and  steadily  increasing  patron- 
age, among  whom  are  some  of  Bridgeport's  most 
influential  citizens.  All  in  search  of  a  reliable 
and  thoroughly  experienced  man  in  this  line  will 
do  themselves  a  favor  by  giving  this  gentleman  a 
trial. 


ronized  in  particular.  Houses  may  be  found, 
however,  which  combine  an  attractive  and 
healthful  situation  with  contiguity  to  the  center 
of  trade,  and  these  most  desirable  qualifications 
the  Golden  Hill  Hotel,  located  at  Nos.  19,  21  and 
23  Harrison  street,  possesses  in  a  marked  degree. 
This  house  is  but  three  blocks  from  the  depot  by 
way  of  Fairfield  avenue.  The  grounds  in  which 
it  is  situated  are  very  attractive  and  their  sur- 
roundings beautiful.  It  is  a  three  story  building 
containing  thirty  rooms  which  are  heated  with 
steam,  for  this  is  by  no  means  exclusively  a  sum- 
mer hotel  but  is  largely  patronized  the  year 
round.  Special  rates  are  made  to  commercial 
and  theatrical  parties,  and  all  the  terms  are 
very  reasonable  and  the  accommodations  first- 
class. 

This  house  was  started  seven  years  ago  and  has 
been  under  the  control  of  its  present  owner,  Geo. 
G.  Carr,  for  two  years. 


L.  M.  Hopkins,  Dealer  in  Stoves,  Ranges  and 
Furnaces,  352  Main  Street. — One  of  the  best 
known  and  longest  established  houses  in  Bridge- 
port for  the  sale  of  stoves,  ranges,  etc,  is  that  of 
L.  M.  Hopkins,  located  at  No.  352  Mam  street. 
This  business  was  established  twenty  years  ago 
by  the  present  proprietor,  who  deserves  much 
praise  for  the  able  manner  in  which  he  has  con- 
ducted the  business  from  the  first,  showing  ex- 
cellent judgment  in  the  selection  of  his  goods,  as 
well  as  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  business  in 
all  its  details. 

The  premises  occupied  at  the  above  address 
consist  of  two  floors,  each  24x100  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, the  first  floor  being  used  as  a  store  for  the 
sale  of  his  goods  and  the  second  floor  for  a  repair 
shop,  etc.  These  are  fitted  up  with  the  most 
modern  inventions  for  the  carrying  on  of  his  bus- 
iness, and  the  store  is  stocked  with  a  finely 
selected  assortment  of  stoves,  ranges  and  fur- 
naces from  the  most  celebrated  manufacturers, 
and  all  kinds  of  stove  furniture,  tin-ware,  etc. 
Orders  promptly  and  satisfactorily  executed  for 
plumbing,  roofing  and  jobbing  of  all  kinds,  at 
reasonable  prices. 

Ten  skilled  hands  are  employed  in  the  different 
departments  and  all  patrons  are  waited  upon  in 
a  courteous  and  attentive  manner.  Mr.  Hopkins 
is  one  of  Bridgeport's  most  highly  esteemed  and 
respected  citizens  and  has  been  eminently  suc- 
cessful in  his  undertaking,  well  deserving  the 
reputation  he  has  achieved. 


Curtis   &    Teeple,   Dealers  in  Drugs,    Medi- 
cines and  Chemicals,  836  Main  Street.— Probably 
one  of  the  finest  appointed  drug  stores  in  Bridge- 
port is  the  one  conducted  by  Curtis  &  Teeple. 
This  house  was  established  over  twenty  years  ago 
by  Curtis  &  Co.,  but  in  1870  Dr.  G.  M.  Teeple 
was  admitted  as  partner  to  the  firm  and  since 
that  date  the  business  has  been  conducted  under 
the  title  of  Curtis  &  Teeple.     The  premises  are 
located  at  836  Main  street  and  are  20x60  feet  in 
dimensions,  and  consist  of  a  very  fine  and  attrac- 
tive store  which  is  fitted  up  with  handsome  show- 
cases and  finely  arranged  windows.     The  stock 
which  is  here  displayed  comprises  a  complete 
assortment  of  drugs,   medicines  and  chemicals, 
etc.,  also  a  fine  line  of  fancy  and  toilet  articles, 
such  as  sponges,  brushes,  perfumery,  etc.,  choice 
tobacco    and  cigars.     Messrs.   Curtis  &    Teeple 
make  a  specialty  of  physicians'   prescriptions, 
which  are  carefully  compounded  and  orders  are 
answered  with  care  and  dispatch,  and  their  stock 
of  medicines  is  complete  and  warranted  genuine 
and   of  the   best   quality.     The  extensive  retail 
trade  of  this  house  requires  the  assistance  of  two 
competent    clerks.      The    proprietors    are    both 
thorough  chemists  and  the  utmost  care  and  pre- 
caution is  used  to  guard  against  mistakes.     Mr. 
L.  F.  Curtis  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  Dr. 
G.  M.  Teeple  of  New  York  State;  the  last  gentle- 
man is  a  graduate  of  the  Albany  Medical  College, 
which  ensures  that  prescriptions  will  be  carefully 
compounded.     These  gentlemen  have  ever  main- 
tained a  high  character  in  this  city. 

H.  H.  DeWolte,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Dealer 
in  Milk,  Butter,  Eggs,  and  Country  Produce, 
536  Main  Street. — Among  the  concerns  in  this 
city  which  owe  the  present  position  they  have 
attained  to  the  energy,  enterprise  and  business 
ability  possessed  by  the  proprietor,  special  men- 
tion should  be  made  of  the  establishment  of  H. 
II.  De  Wolfe  which  was  founded  in  1885  and  for 
the  past  two  years   has   been  conducted   at  its 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


11® 


^resent  location  536  Main  street.     rl  he  premises 
lit  well  stocked  with  a  fresh  daily  supply  of 
Silk  bitter  eSs  and  country  produce  in  which 
Mr   DeWolfe  transacts  a  lucrative  wholesale  and 
retail  trade      Orders  left  at  the  bakery,  corner 
Steuben  and  East  Main,   also  receive  prompt  a  - 
Son      The  extent  f  ^his  nouiishing  ente, 
nrise  requires  the  employment,  at  the  store  01 
w    courteous  clerks,  ^Patrons  are  assured  of 
receiving  nothing  but  fresh  and  f^f^f^l 
in  this  line  of  produce      Mr.  H.  H .  . DeWottej^ a 
native  of  Say  brook,  Connecticut,  and  by  strict 
attention  to  toe  demands  of  the  trade   and  . .con- 
tinuance of  the  most  commendable  energy  ais 
Sved  in the  past,  he  will  no  doubt  continue  with 
toesxm j  success  that  has  always  attended  his 
efforts      He  is  a  man  of  experience  by  whom  our 
readers  may  depend  upon  having  all  orders  faith- 
fully executed  and  at  the  same  time  have  the  ad- 
vantage  of  reasonable  prices  and  first-class  goods. 

White  Manufacturing  Co.,  Manufacturers  of 
Fine  Finished  Carriage  Lamps,  Carnage  and 
Hearse  Mountings. -This  important  ndustry 
successfully  conducted  on   a  large-scale  bytfm 

factoring    Co. 

is  one  of  the 
oldest  business 
enterprises  of 
Bridgeport. 
The    house 
was  establish- 
ed in  1832,  and 
for  one-half  a 
century     has 
exerted    a 
wide  spread 
and  beneficent 
influence. 
The  company 
as    at   present 
organized  was 
i  n  c  o  rporated 
under    the 
present    name 
in  1861,   and 
its  progress 
has    been    co-  | 
equal  with 
the  wonderful  j 
growth  and 
development 
o  f    the    trade  I 
and  industries 
of  the  place. 

The  works  ] 
of  the  compa- 
ny comprise  a  large  substantial  four  story  build- 
ing, most  thoroughly  equipped  with  every  im- 
proved machine  and  appliance  for  intended  pur- 
poses The  machinery  is  driven  by  a  steam  en- 
gine of  thirty  horse-power,  and  a  force  of  sixty 
hands  is  employed  in  the  various  departments 
of  the  establishment.  The  product  of  the  works 
consists  of  carriage  lamps  and  carriage  and 
hearse  trimmings  of  every  description  and  o 
many  novel  and  beautiful  designs,  and  for  both 
quality  and  style  of  their  productions  the  com- 
pany is  famous  among  the  carriage  builders  ot 
the  country. 


Air  Thomas  Boudrcn  is  the  superintendent 
and  Mr  H.  S.  Wilmot  the  secretary  of  this  rep- 
resentative and  responsible  corporation  1  hey 
are  business  men  of  sagacity,  energy  and  tact 
and  in  their  keeping  the  reputation  of  the  old 
concern  for  honorable  methods  and  probity  s 
maintained  unimpaired,  and  the  large  rade  of 
toe  company  in  all  parts  of  the  country  is  being 
steadily  increased  and  extended. 

John  Driscoll,  Dealer  in  Groceries  and  Liq- 
uors No   671  Main  Street— This  long  establish^ 
ed  business  enterprise,  which  is  ably  managed 
1  and  conducted  under  the  personal  supervision  of 
its  thoroughly  competent  proprietor,  is  located  at 
671  Main  street  and  was  established  by  him  in 
1868   and  during   the  19  years  of   its   existence 
has  always    manifested   a    spirit   of    enterprise 
and  progression,  and  continues  to  enjoy  the  mil 
merited?nd  lucrative  retail  trade  that  has  marked 
its  success  from  the  commencement      Mr  John 
Dnscoll  deals  largely  in  groceries,  liquors   etc. 
The  premises  occupied  for  the  above-named  busi- 
ness  are  quite  centrally  located  and  cover  an 
area  of  20x60  feet,  consisting  of  a  store  devo tod 
to  the  retail  grocery  business  and    a  bar  in  toe 
eai -for  the  sale  of  liquors.     This,  store  is  well 
stocked  with  all  kinds  of  groceries,  including  the 
best  b'ands  of  flour,  teas,  coffees,  sugar,  spices, 
and  in  fact  everything  in  this  line  that  is .desira- 
ble for  family  use,  canned  goods  etc     also  the 
best  domestic  manufacture  and  foreign  impor- 
tations of  liquors.     The  extent  of  this  business. 
eqTres  ^employment  of  two  attentive  and 
reliable  clerks  and  all  orders  are  promptly  filled 
and  goods  delivered  to  all  parts  of  the  city      Mr 
John  Driscoll  has  resided  for  the  past  twenty-one 
years  in  Bridgeport,  where  he  is  well  known  and 
has  built  up  a  thriving  retail  business. 


W  H.  Evers'  Market,  No.  221  State  Street- 
Reviewing  as  we  are  the  industries  of  Bridgeport 
we  find  numbered  among  the  leading  markets 
W  H  Evers',  of  221  Stole  street,  who  establish- 
ed his  business  twenty  one  years  ago,  and  whose 
success  has  proved  phenomenal.  . 

His store  is  30x40  feet  in    dimensions   and  is- 
well  adapted  to  the  business.     Owing  to  his  ex- 
cellent iudgment  and  taste  it  is  arranged  in  an 
attractive  manner,  and  the  neatness  displayed  »■ 
remarked  by  all.     His  trade  extends  thioughout 
be  dty  among  first-class  customers  and  hrs  mar- 
I  ket  S  one  of  the  most  extensive  in  the  city.     The 
So  cesf  meats  at  the  most  reasonable  prices  are- 
the  leadine  characteristics  of  his  market  and  out 
readers  Sgthe  city  who  want  real  choice,  juicy 
meats  should    place    their   orders    heie      Beet 
pork,  mutton,  veal,   ham    bacon,  lar d .etc .,  are 
always  on  hand,   besides  fresh  vegetables  poul- 
try ancl  produce.     Orders  are  promptly  and  care- 
fully filled  by  experienced  assistants  and  goods- 
Redelivered  to  all  parts  of  the  city  free  of 

ChM?e Evers  is  a  native  of  Germany  and  is  a  gen- 
tlemen of  experience  in  all  the  details  of  his  bus- 
new  He  is  highly  esteemed  by  the  community 
and  fully  deserves  the  success  which  has  followed 
Mm  We  advise  all  in  search  of  a  reliable  mar- 
j  ket  to  give  his  a  trial. 


120 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


W.  S.  Cornwell,  Dealer  in  Choice  Family 
Groceries,  etc.,  178  East  Main  Street.— Amon"- 
the  successful  business  enterprises  in  this  part  of 
the  city  the  store  and  grocery  establishment  of 
Mr.  W.  S.  Cornwell  occupies  a  prominent  posi- 
tion in  this  line. 

This  business  was  commenced  in  1873  by 
Messrs.  Cook  &  Winton.  The  present  proprietor 
Mr  W.  S.  Cornwell,  assumed  control  in  1886 
and  through  his  energy,  enterprise  and  persever- 
ance has  attained  his  present  desirable  and  exten- 
sive retail  trade. 

The  business  premises  occupied  by  Mr.  Cornwell 
are  located  at  173  East  Main  street  and  consist 
of  a  very  attractive  store  20x60  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, where  is  displayed  the  large  and  varied 
stock  of  fine  family  groceries.  All  orders  are 
promptly  filled  and  delivered  to  any  part  of  the 
city  free  of  charge.  Mr.  Cornwell  is  thoroughly 
conversant  with  his  business  in  all  its  branches 
and  superintends  the  selection  and  purchasing  of 
his  immense  stock  of  goods,  which  includes 
everything  in  the  staple  and  fancy  grocery  line 
embracing  vegetables,  country  produce,  teas' 
coffees,  spices,  canned  goods,  etc.  Everything 
handled  by  this  house  is  guaranteed  to  be  the 
hest  that  can  be  obtained  in  the  city  and  sold  at 
the  lowest  market  prices. 

Mr.  Cornwell  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport.  He  is 
prompt  and  reliable  in  all  his  business  transac- 
tions, and  has  through  these  important  qualifica- 
tions laid  the  foundation  of  a  successful  business 


which  without  exaggeration  are  equal  at  least  to 
those  possessed  by  any  house  in  this  vicinity 
lo  those  desiring  goods  in  his  line  we  will  say 
in  conclusion  that  Mr.  White  offers  inducements 
that  must  make  all  business  relations  with  him 
conduce  to  the  profit  of  his  customers. 

He  is  a  native  of  Massachusetts  and  is  highly 
esteemed  throughout  the  city.     Mr.  M.  F.White 
the  son,  has  been  associated  for  the  past  fourteen 
years  in  the  business. 


■career. 

J.  S.  White  &  Son,  Manufacturers  of  Fine 
Custom  Harness  and  Dealer  in  Horse  Furnish- 
ings of  all  Descriptions,  167  East  Washington 
Avenue,  East  Bridgeport.— A  review  of  Bridge- 
port's enterprise    would   indeed   be    incomplete 


without  reference  to  the  harness  manufactory  of 
J.  S.  White  &  Son,  at  167  East  Washington  ave- 
nue, where  can  be  found  at  all  times  one  of  the 
largest  and  best  selected  stocks  of  harness,  sad- 
dles, collars,  whips,  horse  clothing,  robes,  and  in 
fact  everything  in  horse  furnishing  goods 
called  for. 

The  business  occupies  a  fine  store  18x60  feet 
in  dimensions,  with  a  shop  18x30  feet  in  size  in 
the  rear.  Four  skilled  hands  are  employed  who 
understand  all  the  details  of  the  business.  Mr. 
White  is  a  practical  man  having  had  an  experi- 
ence of  forty-four  years  as  proprietor  in  his  busi- 
ness, and  being  a  manufacturer  he  is  enabled  to 
guarantee  his  goods  to  be  just  as  represented;  and 
also  to  quote  the  very  lowest  prices  to  all  his 
patrons. 

This  necessarily  brief  sketch  gives  at  best  but 
a  limited  account  of  the   resources  of  the  house 


Washington  Park  Hotel,  John  Walsh,  Pro- 
prietor, corner  of  Crescent  Avenue  and  Kossuth 
Street.— In  a  work  of  this  kind  which  treats  of 
the  resources  of  the  city  of  Bridgeport  and  which 
is  destined  to  be  read  by  those  who  reside  else- 
where, it  is  of  course  not  out  of  place  for  us  to 
speak  of  an  establishment,  where,  when  visitors 
repair  to  the  city  either  for  business  or  pleasure 
they  will  be  enabled  to  find  all  the  comforts  of 
home,  besides  every  civility,  attention  and  con- 
venience possible  in  a  public  house. 

The  Washington  Park  Hotel  was  opened  to  the 
public  in  1881  by  its  present  proprietor,  Mr. 
John  Walsh,  and  during  the  comparatively  short 
time  since  its  establishment,  its  fame  has  become 
known  throughout  the  city  and  State. 

This  hotel  is  located  at  the  corner  of  Crescent 
avenue  and  Kossuth  street  and  comprises  a  build- 
ing of  three  stories,  covering  an  area  of  40x70 
feet  and  containing  forty  rooms.  This  house  is 
conducted  upon  the  European  plan,  and  board 
is  furnished  by  the  meal,  day,  or  week.  Good 
accommodations  can  be  obtained  here  at  reason- 
able prices.  In  connection  with  this  house  Mr. 
Walsh  conducts  dining  rooms,  where  meals  can 
be  obtained  at  all  hours. 

In  the  management  of  this  hotel  everything 
has  been  reduced  to  a  complete  system,  and  each 
department  is  supervised  by  a  competent  head, 
so  that  all  confusion  is  avoided  and  complete 
order  supervenes.  Mr.  Walsh  has  proved  his  en- 
terprise by  his  public  spirit  and  pluck  in  under- 
taking the  establishment  of  the  Washington  Park 
Hotel,  and  his  forethought,  and  experience  has 
been  amply  vindicated  by  his  marked  success. 

ooHcKell^rmeyer'  Bott]er  of  Beei-  and  Liquors, 
332  State  Street, — The  extent  and  importance  of 
the  bottling  business  are  known  to  but  very  few 
outside  of  those  immediately  interested;  for  it  is 
not  an  industry  which  makes  a  great  deal   of 
show  as  the  distribution  of  the  goods  at  retail  is 
usually  attended   to   by  the  dealers  who  do  no 
bottling  themselves.     The  demand  for    bottled 
goods  is  surely   and  steadily  increasing  and  ow- 
ing   to     the     numerous    improvements    made 
m  bottling  machinery  of  late  years,  the  cost  to 
the    consumer    has    been    greatly    lessened      A 
thriving  Bridgeport  bottler  is  Mr.  II.  Kellermeyer 
whose  place  of  business  is  at  No.  222  State  street. 
The  inception  of  the   enterprise  now  conducted 
by  him,  was  in  1867  under  the  name  of  J.  Fick. 
In  1885  Mr.  Fick  was  succeeded   by  the  present 
proprietor  who   has   added   to   the  already  large 
trade  done  by  his  predecessor.     Mr.  Kellermeyer 
makes  a  specialty  of  bottling  the  finest  grades  of 
beer  and  liquors,  and  his  goods  enjoy  a  well  earn- 
ed  reputation  for  purity  and   fine  flavor.     He 
does  both   a  wholesale  and   retail   business  and 
gives  prompt  and  careful  attention  to  all  orders 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OB"  BRIDGEPORT. 


121 


A 


F.  S.  Stevens  &  Co.,  Wholesale  and  Retail 
Druggists,  315  Main  Street. — This  firm  is  one  of 
the  best  known  in  the  city.  It  was  established 
in  1874,  by  Stevens  &  Painter,  succeeded  by  the 
present  management  thirteen  years  ago.  The 
premises  occupied  consist  of  a  fine  store,  24x90 
feet  in  area,  which  contains  one  of  the  most 
complete  and  varied  stocks  in  the  city.  Their 
extensive  trade,  which  is  both  wholesale  and 
retail,  extends  throughout  the  State,  eight  assist- 
ants being  kept  constantly  busy  in  the  several 
departments  of  the  business.  The  members 
composing  the  firm  are  F.  S.  Stevens,  licensed 
pharmacist,  twenty-two  years  in  the  business  in 
Bridgeport,  and  E.  S.  Gaylord,  both  experienced 
druggists  They  have  constantly  on  hand  a 
supply  of  surgical  instruments,  obstetric  for- 
ceps, chemical  thermometers,  speculums,  soft 
and  hard  catheters,  elastic  stockings,  knee-caps, 
etc.,  roller  bandages  (rubber  and  linen),  absorb- 
ent cotton  and  patent  lint;  also  a  full  stock  of 
Edward  R.  Squibb's  goods.  Choice  wines  and 
liquors,  comprising  Park  &  Tilford's  Monogram 
rye,  Lazerac  brandy  and  Imperial  sherry;  Piper 
Heidseick,  Pommery  Sec  &  Mumm's  Dry  and 
Extra  Dry;  F.  G. Tullidge  &  Co.'s  pure  pop  corn 
whiskey,  no  better  bottled.  Fine  imported  ci- 
gars, as  well  as  the  leading  brands  of  American 
make  can  be  found  here.  Drake's  hand-made 
and  Bagdads;  Osterweis's  Yales,  Figaros,  Jose 
Cuetos  and  Margaritas;  Stevens'  No.  5,  the  best 
five-cent  cigar.  Physicians  will  notice  the  full 
line  of  the  Ahls  felt  splints,  easily  adjusted,  a 
perfect  fit.  No  trouble  to  set  bones  with  the  felt 
spiint,  made  to  fit  every  bone  in  the  body;  also  a 


full  line  of  crutches,  trusses  and  supporters.  In 
the  paint  department  can  be  found  pure  white  lead, 
Masury's  railroad  colors,  used  by  everybody,  best 
paint  made  for  outside  or  inside  work.  Linseed 
oil,  raw  and  boiled,  spirits  turpentine,  putty  and 
window-glass.  Pure  white  potash,  whitewash, 
lime  and  brushes.  Parrott's  celebrated  varnishes, 
Wheeler's  wood  filler,  and  Crockett's  spar  com- 
position and  Nos.  1  and  2  wood  preservatives. 
Prompt  attention  given  to  all  orders  and  uni- 
formly lov  prices;  telephone  call  No.  4.  Blast- 
ing powder,  water  proof  and  single  tape  fuse,  at 
F.  S.  Stevens  &  Co.,  315  Main  street,  sole  agents 
for  Laflin  &  Rand  superior  brands  of  rifle  and 
blasting  powder,  Forcite  powder  or  dynamite. 
Red  clover  blossoms,  also  the  fluid  and  solid 
extract  of  red  clover,  as  prepared  by  Needham  & 
Sons,  of  Chicago.  They  are  the  sole  agents  for 
the  above  valuable  preparations;  cures  all  dis- 
eases of  the  blood.  Extract  of  red  clover  is 
highly  recommended  in  whooping-cough.  Fred. 
Stevens'  "unfailing" cough  cure,  agrand  success; 
sales  have  steadily  increased  for  the  past  ten 
years,  but  this  year  beats  them  all.  Beware  of 
cheap  excuses  for  cough  mixtures !  If  you  have 
one  of  those  terrible  colds  that  are  now  going  the 
rounds,  you  cannot  afford  to  trifle  with  it  at 
"twenty  cents  a  bottle."  Ninety-nine  out  of 
every  hundred  families  in  the  city  have  "Ste- 
vens' Cough  Cure  "  on  hand.  This  is  the  season 
when  you  need  it.  Do  not  wait  until  the  bottle 
is  empty,  but  keep  a  full  one  on  hand  all  the  time. 
In  conclusion  we  would  invite  all  desiriDg 
any  of  the  above  articles  to  purchase  them  here 
and  obtain  first-class  goods  at  popular  prices. 


122 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OE  BRIDGEPORT. 


Mrs.  K.  Leverty,  Millinery  Goods,  469  Main 
Street. — The  eminent  success  which  has  attended 
the  establishment  of  Mrs.  K.  Leverty  since  its 
inception  thirteen  years  ago,  is  a  sufficient  evi- 
dence of  this  lady's  adaptation  for  the  business. 
This  enterprise,  which  is  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent of  its  kind  in  Bridgeport,  is  devoted  to  the 
manufacture  and  sale  of  ladies'  felt,  plush,  vel- 
vet and  satin  hats  and  bonnets,  etc. 

This  business  was  established  by  the  present 
proprietors  in  1874,  and  since  that  date  her 
•efforts  have  been  crowned  with  unrivaled  suc- 
cess, and  to  day  her  store  ranks  among  the  finest 
in  the  city. 

Her  millinery  parlors  cover  an  area  of  12x60 
feet  in  dimensions,  which  are  the  resort  of  ladies 
of  the  most  fastidious  taste,  as  nowhere  in  the 
■city  are  such  choice  and  elegant  selections  in 
millinery  goods  displayed  as  at  this  popular  estab- 
lishment. 

Mrs.  Leverty  gives  employment  to  four  very 
capable  assistants,  and  the  management  of  this 
house  is  under  her  direct  supervision,  espe- 
cially the  order  work  department,  whose  skill 
and  artistic  taste  is  displayed  in  the  many  fine 
productions  of  this  establishment.  The  full  and 
complete  stock  of  elegant  millinery  goods  carried, 
together  with  the  courteous  treatment  of  patrons, 
and  the  prompt  and  efficient  manner  in  which 
all  orders  are  executed,  tend  to  make  this  one  of 
the  most  popular  establishments  in  this  line  of 
trade  in  Bridgeport. 

Mrs.  Leverty  is  a  refined  lady,  well  worthy  of 
the  success  she  has  attained. 

Isbell  &  Shannon,  Pharmacists  and  Druggists, 
379  Main  Street. — Every  community  of  any 
magnitude  has  several  drug  establishments  and 
Bridgeport  is  not  behind  its  sister  cities  in  either 
the  number  or  reliability  of  her  stores  engaged  in 
this  line  of  business.  One  of  the  most  attractive 
of  these  will  be  found  at  No.  379  Main  street, 
Messrs.  Isbell  &  Shannon  being  the  enterprising 
proprietors.  The  store  although  but  recently 
opened  by  the  present  proprietors  has  been  a  drug 
store  for  forty  years  and  is  the  oldest  in  the  city, 
commanding  at  present  a  large  patronage  in  this 
section.  Having  been  recently  remodeled,  every- 
thing is  new  and  bright  about  the  premises  and 
a  large  and  attractive  stock  is  carried. 

The  premises  are  80x25  feet  in  dimensions  and 
are  eligibly  located.  A  full  line  of  pure  drugs 
and  medicines  are  at  hand  and  prescriptions  are 
carefully  prepared  with  the  utmost  precaution  by 
either  one  or  the  other  of  the  proprietors,  t\iej 
both  being  eminently  experienced  in  every 
branch  of  this  business.  The  individual  mem- 
bers of  the  firm  are  Messrs.  C.  C.  Isbell  and  E. 
M.  Shannon,  the  former  of  New  Haven  and  the 
latter  of  Waterbury,  both  gentlemen  well-known 
in  this  vicinity  as  being  thoroughly  reliable  and 
honorable  in  their  dealings  with  all.  They  fully 
•deserve  the  encouragement  and  patronage  of  the 
public. 

Louis  Held,  Dealer  in  Beef,  Pork,  Veal,  Mut- 
ton, etc.,  No.  209  Main  Street. — Widely  noted  as 
Bridgeport  is  as  an  important  business  center, 
there  are  among  her  many  important  stores  some 
whose     pre  eminence    in    their   respective   lines 


stand  as  conspicuous  monuments  to  the  skill, 
energy  and  business  ability  which  have  control- 
led and  directed  their  affairs.  Among  these  no 
more  noticeable  example  can  be  quoted  than 
that  of  the  above-named  house,  which  was  estab- 
lished by  the  present  proprietor,  Mr.  Louis  Held, 
in  1876.  The  premises  utilized  for  the  business 
are  located  at  209  Main  street  and  cover  an  area 
of  20x60  feet,  and  consist  of  a  very  complete 
and  attractive  store,  where  will  be  found  a  choice 
selection  of  meats,  etc.  The  retail  trade  of  this 
house  requires  the  assistance  of  two  capable 
clerks  and  the  details  of  this  business  are 
handled  in  a  most  efficient  manner.  Mr.  Held 
gives  particular  personal  attention  to  the  pur- 
chasing of  his  varied  and  extensive  stock,  which 
embraces  the  best  variety  of  beef,  pork,  veal, 
mutton,  hams,  bacon,  and  sausage,  also  oysters, 
canned  goods,  condiments,  etc.  Mr.  Louis  Held 
is  a  native  of  Germany,  a  gentleman  possessing 
unusual  business  ability.  No  establishment  in 
the  city  furnishes  a  more  striking  illustration  of 
the  result  of  enterprise,  vigorous  and  persistent 
work  and  splendid  management,  than  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

S.  F.  Raymond,  Dealer  in  Groceries,  Provis- 
ions, Fruits  and  Vegetables,  234  State  Street. — 
Among  those  houses  which  have  been  long  and 
closely  identified  with  the  commercial  growth  of 
this  city  that  of  S.  F.  Raymond  occupies  a  con- 
spicuous position,  in  which  it  bids  fair  to  con- 
tinue. Mr.  Raymond  has  been  in  the  grocery 
business  for  twenty -five  years,  establishing  him- 
self in  Bridgeport  in  1862. 

The  premises  occupied  are  30x70  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, comprising  one  of  the  largest  and  finest 
grocery  stores  in  the  city,  located  at  234  State 
street,  where  will  be  found  a  complete  and  exten- 
sive stock  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries,  flour, 
teas,  coffees,  vegetables  and  canned  goods,  in 
fact  everything  to  be  found  in  a  first  class  estab- 
lishment of  this  kind  can  be  purchased  at  the 
most  reasonable  prices.  From  its  first  establish- 
ment this  house  has  been  a  favorite  source  of 
supply  in  this  line.  Those  who  come  here  for  the 
first  time  will  find  a  large  and  superior  stock 
from  which  to  make  selections  and  will  experi- 
ence the  benefits  of  the  pursuance  of  a  liberal 
policy  and  an  obliging  promptness  such  as  is  in 
accordance  with  the  honorable  record  of  such  a 
long-established  house. 

Harry  Nichols'  Market,  Dealer  in  Meat,  Fish 
and  Vegetables,  382  State  Street. — To  show  what 
this  city  produces  and  what  it  has  to  supply,  the 
extent  and  character  of  her  resources,  and  the 
attractions  she  offers  to  capital  for  permanent  in- 
vestment, and  to  the  trade  as  a  purchasing  cen- 
ter, is  the  mission  of  this  volume,  and  among 
those  houses  which  have  done  so  much  to  build 
up  the  meat,  fish  and  vegetable  trade  of  the  city, 
the  most  casual  observer  must  accord  to  the 
house  of  Mr.  Harry  Nichols  a  prominent  posi- 
tion. This  market  was  founded  in  1877  by 
Messrs  Nichols  &  Booth,  and  in  1S7S  Mr.  Harry 
Nichols  assumed  full  control  of  the  business, 
since  which  date  it  has  gained  a  widespread 
reputation,  and  to-day  is  recognized  as  one  of 
the  most  attractive  and  well  arranged  markets  in 
Bridgeport.     It   has   a   floorage   of   60x20    feet. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


123 


The  stock  consists  of  a  varii  ty  almost  too  numer- 
ous to  memion,  and  embraces  all  kinds  of 
meats,  fish  and  vegetables,  butter,  eggs,  cheese 
and  canned  goods,  all  of  which  are  guaranteed  to 
be  of  the  best  quality  to  be  obtained  in  the  city. 
The  extensive  retail  trade  gives  employment  to 
three  very  capable  assistants  and  the  entire  busi- 
ness is  most  ably  managed  under  the  direct  per- 
sonal supervision  of  the  proprietors.  Mr.  Nichols 
is  a  native'of  Stepney,  Connecticut,  a  gentleman 
whose  extended  experience  makes  him  fully 
acquainted  with  the  wants  of  the  public,  and  he 
is  fully  able  to  supply  any  demands  made  upon 
him. 

Stephen  Osborne,  Stationer  and  Newsdealer, 
6G1  State  Street. — While  reviewing  the  commer- 
cial interests  and  enterprises  of  Bridgeport  we 
must  not  in  any  manner  fail  to  do  justice  to 
those  establishments  that  do  so  much  to  elevate 
society  by  the  dissemination  of  the  products  of 
the  printing  press,  and  to  provide  for  their  use 
such  aids  to  refinement  and  education  as  may  be 
required.  We  have  reference  to  the  well  known 
house  of  Stephen  Osborne,  which  is  the  leading 
representative  of  this  line  of  trade  in  the  West 
End.  The  house  was  founded  in  1882  by  Messrs. 
Buckley  &  Robbins  and  changed  to  its  present 
title  in  March  1887.  The  premises  occupied  for 
the  business  are  specially  well  arranged  for  its 
transaction,  being  located  at  661  State  street,  and 
cover  an  area  of  35x15  feet  in  dimensions.  The 
stock  carried  by  this  house  includes  such  a 
variety  as  would  be  expected  in  the  larger  estab- 
lishments of  metropolitan  cities,  and  reflects  in  a 
creditable  manner  the  tastes  and  character  of  the 
community.  It  includes  a  full  line  of  stationers' 
and  newsdealers'  goods,  and  in  fact  everything 
that  would  go  to  make  up  a  complete  and  first- 
class  stock.  In  addition  to  the  above-named 
goods  Mr.  Osborne  carries  a  fine  line  of  confec- 
tionery, ice  cream,  etc.,  which  are  guaranteed  to 
be  fresh  and  free  from  all  injurious  qualities. 
Mr.  Osborne  is  a  native  of  New  Milford,  Connec- 
ticut, and  a  highly  respected  citizen  of  Bridge- 
port. 

Hulton  Bros.,  Dealers  in  Meats,  Vegetables 
and  Fruits,  663  State  Street. — Among  those  in- 
dustries that  it  becomes  the  special  province  of 
this  work  to  display,  the  enterprise  of  the  Hulton 
Bros,  deserves  prominent  mention.  Identified 
so  closely  with  the  growth  and  commercial  well 
being  of  the  city,  they  occupy  a  place  of  a  most 
interesting  character  as  relates  to  house  and 
table  supplies.  The  actual  number  of  beeves, 
hogs,  sheep,  etc.,  annually  slaughtered  for  this 
market  runs  into  thousands,  to  say  nothing  of  the 
poultry  and  game.  But  leaving  these  statistical 
items  for  their  appropriate  place  we  refer  our 
readers  to  the  establishment  of  Messrs.  Hulton 
Bros.,  which  was  founded  in  Jan.  1887,  since 
which  time  they  have  enjoyed  a  well-merited 
reputation  for  the  reliable  quality  of  stock  kept 
on  hand,  which  embraces  choice  beef,  veal,  mut- 
ton, lamb,  pork,  lard,  etc.,  also  canned  goods, 
vegetables,  fruits,  pure  milk,  etc.,  etc.  The 
premises  utilized  for  this  business  are  located  at 
663  State  street  and  its  large  retail  trade  extends 
throughout  the  city.  The  individual  members  of 
the  firm  are  Mr.  H.  J.   and  P.  J.  Hulton,  both 


natives  of  Bridgeport  and  highly  esteemed  citi- 
zens of  this  community,  Mr.  H.  J.  Hulton  being 
a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus,  and  both 
are  members  of  the  West  End  Social  Club. 


A.  S.  Bodine,  Manufacturing  Stationer,  Steam 
Printer  and  Lithographer,  Office  Room  11,  Con- 
necticut National  Bank  Building. — The  business 
of  the  stationer  is  one  that  affords  a  pretty  surs 
criterion  of  the  state  of  culture  of  the  community 
in  which  it  is  carried  on,  for  the  varying  needs 
of  the  people  from  either  a  business  or  a  social 
point  of  view  are  quickly  and  accurately  reflected 
by  the  stationery  for  which  there  is  the  mosl 
demand. 

A  manufacturing  stationer,  steam  printer  and 
lithographer  who  may  reasonably  be  expected 
to  have  a  tolerably  accurate  idea  of  the  wants  of 
the  people  as  he  has  been  engaged  in  serving 
them  in  this  direction  for  over  a  score  of  years, 
is  Mr.  A.  S.  Bodine,  whose  Bridgeport  office  is 
in  the  Connecticut  National  Bank  Building, 
Room  11. 

Mr.  Bodine  began  business  in  New  York  City 
as  a  manufacturing  stationer,  in  1866,  and  has 
carried  on  his  office  in  this  city  since  1884.  His 
goods  are  manufactured  solely  for  consumers, 
and  from  ten  to  twelve  employees  are  kept  busy 
attending  to  the  many  orders  constantly  coming 
in. 

In  connection  with  his  stationery  business, 
steam  printing  and  lithographing  are  extensively 
carried  on,  and  orders  in  either  or  both  of  these 
lines  will  receive  prompt  attention  and  will  be 
executed  in  the  highest  style  of  the  art. 


Clarence  H.  Bradley,  Dealer  in  Beef,  Mutton, 
Lamb,  Veal,  Vegetables,  Fruits,  of  all  kinds  in 
their  seasoD,  No.  227  Fairfield  Avenue. — The 
great  cry  of  the  average  man  is  for  good  meat 
and  plenty  of  it,  and  when  they  find  a  reliable 
place  where  fresh  and  fine  goods  can  be  bought 
at  reasonable  prices  they  will  be  apt  to  continue 
as  steady  patrons.  In  this  connection  we  would 
beg  to  call  the  attention  of  our  numerous  readers 
to  the  newly  established  house  of  Clarence  H. 
Bradley  located  at  No.  227  Fairfield  Avenue. 
Here  may  be  found  a  choice  and  well  selected 
assortment  of  beef,  mutton,  lamb,  veal,  vegeta- 
bles and  fruits  of  all  kinds  in  their  season. 

Mr.  Bradley  enjoys  every  facility  for  providing 
his  entire  trade  in  a  prompt,  neat  and  attentive 
manner,  with  all  kinds  of  meat  from  the  best 
stock  to  be  found,  and  at  prices  fair  and  reason- 
able. 

The  premises  occupied  cover  an  area  of  20x40' 
feet  and  are  admirably  arranged  for  the  business, 
which  has  every  indication  of  being  an  extensive 
one.  Polite  and  attentive  assistants  are  em- 
ployed, and  all  orders  are  called  for  and  deliv- 
ered free  of  charge,  if  desired. 

Mr.  Bradley  is  a  native  of  Bridgeport,  and  is 
a  young  man  well  and  favorably  known  through- 
out the  city.  He  is  very  accommodating,  and 
possessed  of  ability  to  conduct  the  business  he 
has  undertaken.  We  confidently  recommend 
his  establishment  to  our  many  readers,  feeling 
assured  they  will  receive  a  full  equivalent  for 
their  money. 


124 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


The  People's  Savings  Bank  of    Bridgeport, 

Incorporated  1860. — It  is  difficult  to  over-esti- 
mate the  good  which  may  be  done  in  a  com- 
munity by  a  well  managed  and  perfectly  secure 
savings  institution,  and  where  such  establish- 
ments are  found  a  grade  of  population  percep 
tibly  higher  than  the  average  is  sure  to  be  noticed. 
Inculcating  as  they  do  principles  of  thrift  and 
•economy,  and  by  example  and  precept  striving 
to  make  the  community  at  large  more  economical 
and  prosperous,  they  form  a  conservative  force 
whose  importance  is  not  fully  appreciated,  save 
in  times  of  trial,  when  it  becomes  apparent  to  every 
one.  The  People's  Savings  Bank  of  Bridgeport  cer- 
tainly needs  no  eulogy  from  us,  for  during  the 
quarter  cen'ury  and  more  which  it  has  been  es 
tablished,  it  has  surely  worked  its  way  to  a  high 
and  secure  position  in  the  minds  of  the  people. 
How  well  it  merits  the  name  of  "People's" 
Savings  Bank  will  be  seen  from  the  treasurer's 
report  of  October,  1886,  at  which  time  deposits 
to  the  amount  of  $1,734,364.32  were  due  5,039 
depositors  or,  in  other  words,  the  average  de- 
posit was  but  a  small  fraction  over  $344.18.  No 
extensive  capitalists  here  you  will  see  but  the 
hard  earned  savings  of  the  "  plain  people,"  as 
glorious  "Old  Abe"  used  to  call  them.  The  re- 
sponsibility of  the  judicious  investment  of  the 
enormous  sum  total  is  shown  by  the  following 
well-known  citizens:  President,  Geo.  B.  Waller; 
First  Vice-President,  William  E.  Seely;  Second 
Vice-President,  Samuel  VV.  Baldwin;  Secretary 
and  Treasurer,  Edward  W.  Marsh;  Trustees,  D. 
W.  Kissam.  Eli  C.  Smith,  John  E.  Pond,  F.  A. 
Barlram,  Elbert  E.  Ilubbell,  Wm.  II.  Rockwell, 
Henry  Atwater,  Enoch  P.  Hincke,  Asa  S.  Par- 
sons; Bookkeeper  and  Teller,  Frank  Hubbard. 
It  will  be  see>n  that  the  list  is  a  strong  one,  and 


contains  the  names  of  those  who  to  a 
man  fully  deserve  and  merit  the  con- 
fidence reposed  in  their  business 
sigacity  and  honor. 

The  Sterling  Restaurant,  365  Main 

Street,  Jesse  Sands,  Proprietor. — 
Whatever  may  have  been  the  case  in 
the  past,  Bridgeport  now  possesses  a 
restaurant  which,  in  the  completeness 
and  elegance  of  its  appointments  and 
the  promptness  and  courtesy  of  its 
service,  can  safely  and  confidently  in- 
vite comparison  with  any  similar  es- 
tablishment in  the  State. 

We  regret  that  our  limited  space 
forbids  our  giving  a  detailed  de- 
scription of  the  expensive  decoration 
and  superb  accessories  of  this  palatial 
cafe,  but  as  gfter  all,  no  account  of 
them,  however  elaborate,  could  pro- 
perly present  them  to  our  readers,  we 
will  simply  urge  them  to  call  at  No. 
365  Main  street,  and  see  and  admire 
for  themselves.  A  visit  will  show  to 
all  that  not  only  liberality  and  taste, 
but  also  large  experience  must  have 
been  possessed  by  whoever  founded 
so  admirable  and  complete  an  estab- 
lishment, and  this  is  indeed  the  case, 
as  Mr.  Jesse  Sands,  the  proprietor,  is 
a  native  of  New  York  City,  and  has 
long  been  familiar  with  similar  insti- 
tutions conducted  on  a  scale  of  metropolitan 
magnificence. 

The  apartment  is  of  the  dimensions  of  20x80 
feet,  and  a  large  number  of  guests  can  be  accom 
modated  and  promptly  served,  as  fifteen  courte- 
ous and  efficient  employes  are  at  hand.  Ladies, 
especially,  will  find  the  cafe  highly  satisfactory, 
for  while  everything  is  of  the  best,  the  prices  are 
very  reasonable  and  the  patronage  select. 

Mr.  Sands  makes  a  specialty  of  catering  for 
societies  and  clubs  and  has  a  separate  room,  ele- 
gaut  in  its  appointments,  for  the  use  of  societies. 

Behning  &  Son's,  Bridgeport  Agenc}',  532 
Main  Street,  W.  F.  Mader,  Manager. — The 
growing  opulence  of    Bridgeport    has   been  so 


marked  during  the  past  few  years  as  to  have  oc- 
casioned a  considerable  increase  in  those  lines 
of  trade  and  industry  which  administer  to  the 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


1 35 


pleasure  of  the  people  and  which  cannot  he 
strictly  called  necessities.  As  an  evidence  of 
the  truth  of  this  statement,  the  well  known  piano 
manufacturers,  Messrs.  Behning  &  Son,  of  New 
York,  have  established  branch  wareroomsforthe 
sale  of  their  instruments  at  No.  532  Main  street 
and  are  doing  quite  a  prosperous  and  satisfactory 
trade. 

The  superior  quality  of  the  "Behning"  pianos 
and  the  honorable  business  methods  of  this  house 
having  won  for  them  the  confidence  of  the  peo- 
ple, whose  unanimous  verdict  is  that  "Behning 
Piano  is  the  Favorite,"  "We  feel  safe  in  buying  a 
Behning  piano."  The  Behning  pianos  certainly 
have  a  richness,  purity  and  sweetness  of  tone 
and  a  delicacy  of  touch  that  is  unrivaled,  and 
are  noted  for  their  durability  and  standing  in  tune. 

A  full  line  of  these  pianos  are  always  kept  in 
stock  at  their  warerooms,  532  Main  street,  con- 
sisting of  grands,  uprights  and  squares  in  rose- 
wood, French  walnut,  mahogany,  cocobola  and 
ebonized  cases— all  hand  polished  and  finished 
in  A  No.  1  style.  The  trade  of  this  branch  store 
is  chiefly  confined  to  this  city  and  vicinity. 

Mr.  W.  F.  Mader,  who  has  been  connected 
with  Messrs.  Behning  &  Son  for  a  number  of 
years  in  New  York  city,  has  charge  of  the  busi- 
ness here  and  is  well  worthy  of  the  patronage  he 
has  received  and  the  success  he  has  met  with. 
Messrs.  Behning  &  Son  are  always  glad  to  have 
customers  call  at  their  factory  on  128th  street  be- 
tween Third  and  Lexington  avenues  in  New 
York  city,  and  will  be  glad  to  show  them  their 
pianos  in  every  stage  of  construction. 


The  Pierce  Manufacturing  Company,  Con- 
tractors for  Building  Sewers,  Drains,  Wells, 
Cisterns,  etc.;  also,  Manufacturers  of  Cement 
Pipe,  Chimney  Tops  Garden  Vases,  etc.;  Office 
and  Pipe  Works,  Junction  Hou>atonic  and  N. 
Washington  Avenues. — In  a  wide  field  of  useful- 
ness the  Pierce   Manufacturing  Company  have 


for  ten  years  successfully  conducted  one  of 
Bridgeport's  leading  industries,  and  in  then- 
special  line  they  are  practically  without  compe- 
tition. 

The  company  are  large  contractors  for  building- 
sewers,  drains,  wells,  cisterns,  etc.,  and  have 
unsurpassed  facilities  for  conducting  operations 
on  a  most  extensive  scale,  and  in  the  most  per- 
fect manner.  To  meet  the  requirements  of  their 
trade,  the  concern  established  extensive  works 
for  the  manufacture  of  cement  well  pipe,  chim- 
ney tops,  garden  vases,  the  plant  being  eligibly 
located  for  their  purposes,  at  the  junction  of 
Housatonic  and  N.  Washington  Avenues.  The 
pipe,  etc.,  is  made  of  Rosendale  and  Portland 
cement  and  gravel,  hardened  by  carbonic  acid 
gas,  and  the  product  is  as  durable  as  granite.  A 
specialty  is  made  of  30  inch  well  pipe,  and  for 
this  purpose  the  product  of  these  works  is 
unequaled,  either  as  to  cheapness  or  durability. 
The  house  makes  contracts  for  all  kinds  of  sew- 
erage, drain,  well  and  cistern  work,  and  guaran- 
tees the  nearest  possible  approach  to  perfection 
of  workmanship  anel  fullest  satisfaction  as  to 
prices. 

Steam  pumping  and  hoisting  of  all  kinds, 
rock  drilling  and  excavating  is  done  with  dis- 
patch, and  the  push  and  promptitude  of  the  com- 
pany has  established  them  in  general  confidence. 

Mr.  E.  W.  Dewhurst  is  the  president,  and  Mr. 
C.  E.  Williams  is  the  secretary  and  treasurer  of 
the  company.  They  are  both  Connecticut  men 
by  birth  and  are  always  named  among  the  suc- 
cessful business  men  and  influential  citizens  of 
the  place. 

The  company  employs  from  forty  to  fifty 
workmen,  and  their  ability  to  finish  their  work 
promptly  and  accurately,  and  their  reliability  in 
all  they  undertake,  constitute  the  secret  of  their 
decided  success. 

C.  Russell  &  Co.,  Wholesale  and  Retail  Gro- 
cers and  Bakers,  335  Main  Street. — One  of  the 
best  known  business  enterprises  in  the  city  is 
that  carried  on  under  the  firm  name  of  C.  Rus- 
sell <fc  Co.,  grocers  and  bakers,  at  No.  335  Main 
street,  corner  of  Bank. 

This  time  honored  establishment  was  founded 
forty  years  ago,  by  Mr.  Chester  Russell,  and 
was  carried  on  as  the  "City  Bakery  and  Gro- 
cery," up  to  a  few  years  ago,  by  that  gentleman 
alone,  when  Messrs.  Arthur  J.  Cable  and  W.  C. 
Russell  were  taken  into  partnership  and  business 
has  since  been  conducted  under  the  present  style. 

A  large,  double  store  is  occupied  of  the  dimen- 
sions of  40x100  feet,  and  a  very  large  wholesale 
and  retail  business  is  done,  ten  assistants  being 
required  to  handle  the  many  orders  received. 
The  several  members  of  the  firm  are  all  natives 
of  this  State,  and  more  enterprising  and  pro- 
gressive men  of  business  are  not  to  be  founcl  in 
this  city. 

The  establishment  is  the  largest  of  the  kind  in 
Bridgeport,  and  a  very  complete  stock  of  staple 
and  fancy  groceries  is  constantly  on  hand. 
Bread,  cake  and  pastry  are  also  sold  in  large 
quantities,  and  a  most  excellent  lunch  room  is 
connected  which  is  very  largely  patronized.  All 
goods  are  sold  at  the  lowest  market  rates,  as  the 
magnitude  of  the  firm's  operations  enables  it  to 
successfully  meet  all  competition. 


/ 


126 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


John  Kearns,  Practical  Plumbing  and  Gas- 
Fitting,  No.  97  Middle  Street. — Among  the  many 
perplexiag  questions  which  the  average  house- 
holder has  to  bother  his  head  over,  one  of  the 
most  important  and  puzzling  is:  "  Who  shall  I 
have  to  do  my  repairing? "  We  refer  more  espe- 
cially to  such  repairs  as  may  be  required  on  the 
water,  drain  and  gas-pipes. 

The  question  is  puzzling,  we  say,  not  because 
it  is  bard  to  find  one  who  will  undertake  the  job, 
but  on  account  of  the  unski'llfulness  or  unfaith- 
fulness of  many  of  those  who  advertise  to  do 
such  work.  In  this  connection  we  take  great 
pleasure  in  bringing  to  the  attention  of  our 
readers  the  establishment  of  Mr.  John  Kearns, 
located  at  No.  97  Middle  street,  for  after  his 
fifteen  years  of  experience  in  such  work,  we  feel 
that  he  is  able,  and  we  know  that  he  is  willing, 
to  do  repairing  of  this  nature  promptly,  thor- 
oughly and  cheaply.  He  started  his  present 
business  September  1,  1886,  and  has  already  suc- 
ceeded in  building  up  a  large  trade. 

Practical  tinning,  plumbing  and  gas-fitting  is 
done,  and.  tin  roofing  and  sheet-iron,  zinc  and 
copper  work  of  all  descriptions  is  also  made. 
Jobbing  is  promptly  attended  to,  and  a  specialty 
is  made  of  hot-air  furnace  work.  It  is  guaranteed 
that  all  orders  in  any  of  these  lines  will  be  filled 
in  a  perfectly  satisfactory  manner,  and  the  prices 
are  reasonable  and  just. 

Elm  Street  Livery  Stable,  S.  L.  Wakelee, 
Proprietor,  Nos.  73  and  75  Elm  Street. — One  of 
the  important  livery  establishments  of  the  city 
is  the  "Elm  Street  Livery  Stable,"  the  prop- 
rietor being  Mr.  S.  L.  Wakelee,  and  located  at 
Nos.  73  and  75  Elm  street.  The  business  estab- 
lished by  this  enterprising  gentleman,  17  years 
ago,  has  rapidly  grown  in  public  favor.  The 
needs  of  the  business  demand  the  services  of 
several  experienced  employes.  The  stable  occu- 
pied is  a  fine  brick  structure,  with  ample  accom- 
modations for  the  care  of  a  large  number  of 
horses  and  vehicles,  and  an  air  of  neatness  per- 
vades the  establishment.  Mr.  Wakelee  has  on 
hand  a  large  number  of  fine  teams  at  all  times 
for  livery  purposes,  including  single  carriages, 
rockaways,  hacks,  etc.,  these  will  be  furnished 
for  all  occasions  on  short  notice  and  at  most  rea- 
sonable prices.  Mr.  Wakelee  spares  no  pains  in 
his  industrious  efforts  to  please  the  public.  The 
stables  have  a  good  location,  and  the  genial 
and  obliging  proprietor  deserves  the  continued 
success  which  is  assured  to  him.  Coaches  and 
coupes  are  a  specialty,  which  are  furnished  by 
the  hour  at  very  reasonable  rates. 

F.  Drueke,  Wig,  Toupee  and  Hair  Goods 
Manufacturer,  corner  Main  and  State  Streets, 
Savings  Bank  Building. — The  manufacture  of 
hair  goods  should  be  regarded  as  an  art,  founded 
on  a  more  literal  and  accurate  reproduction  of 
nature  than  the  world  has  yet  seen.  Among  the 
leading  and  most  noted  establishments  devoted 
to  this  line  of  business  in  Bridgeport  is  that  of 
Mr.  F.  Drueke,  whose  house  was  established  in 
1866,  and  from  the  first  has  steadily  increased  in 
popularity.  The  premises  utilized  for  the  busi- 
ness are  located  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  State 
streets,  and  cover  an  area  of  15  by  60  feet  in 
dimensions,  comprising  a  finely  appointed   store 


with  artistically  arranged  show  cases  and  win- 
dows, with  a  work-room  in  the  rear,  where  six 
thoroughly  competent  persons  are  constantly 
employed  in  making  all  kinds  of  hair  goods. 

Mr.  Drueke  carries  one  of  the  very  finest  stocks 
of  hair  goods  to  be  obtained  in  this  city,  includ- 
ing wigs,  toupees,  braids  and  switches  of  the 
finest  hair,  half  wigs,  curls,  etc.,  of  every  color 
and  shade  at  low  prices.  A  specialty  is  made  of 
order  work,  which  is  promptly  attended  to  and 
executed  in  the  best  manner  possible.  Also  par- 
ticular attention  is  paid  to  ladies'  and  children's 
hair  cutting  and  dressing.  Mr.  F.  Drueke  is 
one  of  the  oldest  and  most  skilled  artists  in  his 
profession  in  Bridgeport.  He  is  liberal,  prompt 
and  reliable,  facts  which  are  the  best  guaranty 
that  patrons  will  be  served  in  the  best  and  most 
satisfactory  manner. 

O.  S.  Piatt,  Pattern  Maker  of  all  kinds,  and 
fine  work  in  Wood  or  Metal,  99  Cannon  Street. 
— In  keeping  with  the  design  of  this  work,  we 
call  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  Mr.  O.  S. 
Piatt,  who  is  concerned  in  the  industry  indicated 
in  our  heading.  It  was  established  in  1882  by 
the  present  proprietor,  and  in  1883  its  style  was 
changed  to  O.  S.  Piatt  &  Co.,  this  continued  un- 
til 1887,  when  it  again  became  as  at  present. 
The  premises  utilized  for  this  business  comprise 
one  floor,  covering  an  area  of  60  by  90  feet  in 
dimensions,  which  is  in  every  way  admirably 
constituted  for  its  specific  purposes,  and  located 
at  99  Cannon  street.  It  is  here  that  pattern 
making  of  all  kinds  is  executed,  and  every 
facility  and  appliance  requisite  to  the  business  is 
at  hand,  operated  by  steam.  In  addition  to 
pattern  making,  all  kinds  of  fine  work  in  wood 
or  metal  is  performed  in  the  highest  style  of  the 
art,  also  wood  handles  for  lubricators,  valves, 
gauge  cocks,  etc.,  a  specialty.  Employment  is 
given  to  eight  thoroughly  experienced  and  skill- 
ful workmen,  and  the  entire  management  of  this 
extensive  business  is  under  the  direct  supervision 
of  the  proprietor.  Mr.  Piatt  is  a  native  of  Can- 
ton, Pa. ,  a  gentleman  of  long  experience  in  the 
business  and  practically  acquainted  with  all  its 
details,  and  our  readers  will  realize  the  import- 
ance of  this  house  to  the  trade  and  community. 

Mrs.  A  B.  Frye,  Dealer  in  Confectionery, 
Ice  Cream,  etc.,  and  Fancy  Goods,  277  East 
Main  Street. — A  house  engaged  in  the  handling 
of  confectionery,  ice  cream  and  foreign  and 
domestic  fruits,  is  the  one  conducted  by  Mrs.  A. 
B.  Frye,  located  at  277  East  Main  street.  This 
store  was  established  in  1885,  and  has  already 
gained  a  steadily  increasing  retail  trade.  The 
premises  utilized  for  the  business  consist  of  a 
store  18x45  feet  in  size,  which  is  neat  and  at- 
tractive in  appearance;  here  is  temptingly  dis- 
played the  stock  of  fiue  confectionery  and  foreign 
and  domestic  fruits,  nuts,  etc.,  and  in  the  rear 
an  attractive  ice  cream  parlor.  Mrs.  Frye  also 
carries  in  addition  to  the  above-named  class  of 
goods  a  full  and  complete  stock  of  fancy  goods, 
books  and  stationery,  and  a  choice  selection  of 
tobacco  and  cigars. 

Mrs.  Frye  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  is 
thoroughly  experienced  in  all  the  details  of  the 
business,  to  which  she  gives  her  close  personal 
attention. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEJfJDF  BRIDGE TO III 


127 


Watson  L.  Wentworth,  Dealer  iu  Furniture, 
Silver  Plated  Ware,  etc.,  Agent  for  the  Knabe, 
Behr  Bros.,  Pease,  Marshall  and  Wendell 
Pianos,  and  Burdett  Organs,  the  Farren  Bros., 
Rolling  and  Adjustable  Spring  Mattresses, 
Clocks  and  Wringers,  Sold  on  Easy  Payments, 
JSTichols  Block,  431  Broad,  Corner  John  Street.— 


The  opportunities  offered  to  the  people  of 
Bridgeport  and  vicinity  for  procuring  furniture, 
pianos,  organs,  plated  ware,  mattresses,  clothes- 
wringers,  clocks,  etc.,  by  Mr.  Watson  L.  Went- 
worth, No.  431  Broad,  corner  John  street,  on 
easy  payments  at  cash  prices,  make  his  establish- 
ment the  popular  resort  for  those  in  quest  of  this 
class  of  merchandise  in  this  place. 

The  business  was  established  by  Mr.  Went- 
worth in  November,  1886,  and  in  the  few  months 
which  have  intervened,  his  tact  and  wortli  have 
since  developed  a  large  and  steadily  growing 
trade.  The  premises  are  commodious,  comprising 
two  large  ware  rooms,  30x60  feet  each  in  dimen- 
sions, and  the  stock  in  trade  is  always  complete, 
varied  and  of  standard  excellence.  At  lowest 
cash  rates,  Mr.  Wentworth  supplies  the  best 
goods  in  his  line,  including  parlor  and  chamber 
suits,  every  description  of  first  class  plated  ware, 
the  celebrated  Farren  Bros,  spring  mattresses, 
and  the  best  makes  of  clothes-wringers,  guaran- 
teeing satisfaction  as  to  quality  and  prices. 
He  is  the  agent  for  the  famous  Knabe,  Behr 
Bros.,  Pease,  Marshall  &  Wendell  Pionos  and 
Organs,  which  are  recognized  by  musical  experts, 
professional  and  amateur,  as  unsurpassed  in 
quality  of  tone  and  touch,  and  for  durability  of 
any  in  use. 

Mr.  Wentworth's  facilities  for  trading  on  the 
most  accommodating  terms  are  unsurpassed, 
and  his  great  success  is  the  natural  sequence  of 
his  energy  and  liberal  dealing. 

He  is  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  and  has  been 
engaged  in  mercantile  business  in  Bridgeport  for 
five  years,  and  is  well  and  widely  known  and 
universally  esteemed  for  his  business  and  personal 
qualities. 

Mr.  Wentworth  can  furnish  profitable  employ- 
ment for  active  agents,  who  will  do  well  to  write 
for  particulars. 


Louis  K.  Young,  Stair  Builder;  Manufacturer 
of  Stairs,  Kails,  Balusters,  Newels,  etc.,  Sawing, 
Turning  and  Specialties;  Shop  at  Ray's  Mill,  648 
Main  Street. — Few  parts  of  a  house,  and  espec- 
ially of  a  dwelling  house,  admit  of  more  op- 
portunities for  arcnitectural  display  than  do  the 
stairways.  That  is,  if  the  space  allowed  them 
be  sufficient.  Too  often  the  stairways  are  ap- 
parently regarded  as  necessary  evils,  and  jammed 
into  some  dark  corner  of  the  building,  where  the 
space  occupied  will  be  as  little  missed  as  possible. 
This  is  unfortunate,  to  say  the  least,  for  a  well 
proportioned  flight  of  stairs,  properly  equipped 
with  appropriate  railing,  balusters  etc.,  is  cap- 
able of  adding  much  to  the  appearance  of  any 
house. 

One  of  the  best  known  stair  builders  in  this 
city  is  Mr.  Lewis  K.  Young,  whose  shop  is  at 
Ray's  Mill,  No.  648  Main  street.  The  business 
conducted  by  him  was  founded  in  East  Bridge- 
port by  Mr.  C.  N.  Whitten,  in  the  year  1872  and 
in  1878  Mr.  Young  became  associated  with  him 
under  the  firm  name  of  Young  &  Whitten,  this 
being  changed,  in  1885,  to  its  present  form, 
Lewis  K.  Young. 

The  shop  is  80x40  feet  in  dimensions,  and  in 
it  is  carried  on  the  manufacture  of  stair-rails, 
newels,  balusters,  etc.,  as  well  as  of  certain 
specialties,  prominent  among  which  are  lawn 
tennis  rackets.  Sawing  and  turning  aie  also 
done  to  order. 

Mr.  Young  was  born  in  this  city,  and  is  carry- 
ing on  one  of  the  most  successful  establishments 
of  its  kind  within  its  borders. 

W.  Dieringer,  Dealer  in  Meats,  Vegetables, 
etc.,  65  Warren  Avenue. — There  is  no  branch  of 
industry  of  more  importance  than  that  which 
furnishes  the  people  with  provisions.  Next  to 
bread,  beef  and  pork  are  among  the  most  impor- 
tant articles  of  food  with  civilized  nations,  and 
the  enormous  demand  for  these  food  supplies 
has  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  extensive 
houses  in  every  large  trade  center. 

In  this  particular,  Bridgeport  is  not  behind  the 
times,  as  will  be  seen  by  a  visit  to  the  house  of 
Mr.  W.  Dieringer,  which  holds  a  prominence  in 
this  line  of  trade.  This  house  was  established 
by  Mr.  Dieringer  in  1875,  and  he  has  since  con- 
trolled a  large  and  growing  retail  trade,  which 
extends  throughout  the  city  and  vicinity.  The 
premises  occupied  for  the  transaction  of  the 
business  consist  of  a  store  18x45  feet  in  size, 
located  at  65  Warren  avenue,  which  is  fitted  up 
and  arranged  with  special  reference  to  the  busi- 
ness. 

This  store  will  be  found  at  all  times  to  be  neat, 
clean  and  attractive  in  appearance.  The  im- 
provements for  the  preservation  of  perishable 
articles  are  here  found  in  successful  operation, 
thus  insuring  the  freshness  of  the  articles  dealt 
in,  which  include  a  choice  selection  of  beef, 
pork,  mutton,  hams,  bologua  sausage,  vegetables 
of  all  kinds  in  their  season. 

Mr.  W.  Dieringer,  who  is  a  native  of  Germany, 
is  a  gentleman  of  experience  and  practical  knowl- 
edge of  the  business,  and  is  well  known  and 
esteemed  in  this  community.  He  is  fully  entitled 
to  the  prominence  he  holds  in  the  trade  by  rea- 
son of  his  fair  and  honorable  manner  of  transact- 
ing business. 


128 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


I    \  \     n       Vns  \s- 


W^^^W 


Rogers'  Farm  Dairy,  Noah  Rogers,  Pro- 
prietor, Pure  Milk  and  Cream,  expressly  for 
for  family  use,  Office  114  Fairfield  Avenue  — 
So  largely  dependent  upon  tlie  purity  of  dairy 
products  is  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  people 
of  any  community,  that  the  best  efforts  of 
humanitarians,  scientists  arid  municipal  and 
State  authorities  have  been  directed  toward  se- 
curing the  highest  possible  degree  of  excellence 
in  these  indispensable  articles  of  food. 

In  this  regard  the  people  of  Bridgeport  are  to 
be  congratulated,  possessing  as  they  do  one  of 
the  best  regulated  and  most  complete  dairies  in 
the  county. 

The  Rogers'  Farm  Dairy,  to  which  we  refer, 
was  established  ten  years  ago  by  Mr.  Noah 
Rogers,  of  the  wholesale  grocery  firm  of  Rogers 
&  Morford,  the  proprietor  of  one  of  the  finest 
dairy  farms  in  the  State. 

He  supplies  pure  milk  and  cream  for  family 
use,  and  his  motto  of  "  Purity  and  Cleanliness," 
religiously  adhered  to,  is  the  secret  of  the  great 
success  of  the  enterprise. 

Mr.  Noah  Rogers,  the  proprietor,  owns  a  large 
herd  of  blooded  catt'e,  and  the  farm,  under  the 
able  management  of  Mr.  William  N.  Rogers,  is 
a  model  worthy  of  emulation  in  every  partic- 
ular. 

Rich,  pure  milk  and  cream  are  furnished  fresh 
from  the  farm  in  large  or  small  quantities  daily, 
and  at  prices  which  for  first-class  merchandise  is 
certainly  reasonable,  and  the  methods  and  pro- 
bity of  the  Messrs.  Rogers  commands  the  fullest 
faith  and  esteem  of  their  patrons. 

Mr.  Rogers  is  a  native  of  North  Cornwall, 
Conn.,  and  his  enterprise  has  met  with  gratify- 
ing recognition  in  a  large  and  steadily  increasing 
patronage. 

The  office  of  the  Rogers  Farm  Dairy  is  at  114 
Fairfield  avenue. 

S.  W.  Gledhill,  Wholesale  Dealer  in  Woolen 
and  Cotton  Rags,  Paper  Stock,  Metals,  etc.,  all 
kinds  of  Wrapping  Paper,  Second-Hand  Ma- 
chinery, Wiping  Waste  and  Rags,  4,  6,  and  8 
Union  Street. — The  business  over  which  Mr.  S. 
W.  Gledhill  presides  was  established  in  1881, 
and  has  since  been  continuously  conducted  under 
the  same  management.  The  premises  occupied 
consist  of  a  four-story  building  100x200  feet  in 
dimensions,  which  is   divided  into  departments 


for  storage  of  paper  stock  and  metals 
and  for  sorting  paper  and  rags.  A 
number  of  hands  are  employed  in 
this  business,  and  upon  occasions  of 
extraordinary  demand  an  extra  force 
is  put  on.  The  facilities  and  resources 
of  this  house  in  respect  to  woolen  and 
cotton  paper  stock  is  commensurate 
with  the  demands  of  the  market. 

To  peddlers  the  house  offers  special 
advantages  and  buy  all  kinds  of 
metals  at  the  highest  prices  for  cash. 
This  house  also  deals  in  all  kinds 
of  wrapping  paper,  second  hand  ma- 
chinery and  wiping  waste  and  rags. 
The  warehouse  is  located  at  Nos.  4, 
6  and  8  Union  street,  and  is  one  of 
the  leading  houses  in  Bridgeport  en- 
gaged in  this  line. 

Mr.  Gledhill  is  a  native  of  Corn- 
wall, Conn.,  and  has  resided  in  this  city  many 
years;  he  has  had  a  large  experience  in  this  busi- 
ness, and  thoroughly  understands  it  in  every  de- 
tail and  conducts  it  in  a  manner  that  has  acquired 
for  him  the  respect  and  consideration  of  this 
community,  of  all  which  none  are  more 
worthy. 

We  commend  Mr.  Gledhill  and  his  enterprise 
to  those  of  our  readers  who  may  be  interested, 
assuring  them  that  business  relations  once  entered 
upon  will  prove  not  only  pleasant  but  profit- 
able. 

S.  W.  Gledhill  is  also  proprietor  of  the  largest 
jewTelry  store  in  Middlesex  County,  located  at 
Essex,  Conn.;  also  of  the  largest  and  only  mat- 
tress manufactory  of  New  London  County, 
located  at  New  London,  where  they  carry  a  fine 
stock  of  first-class  goods. 

W.  B.  Bostwick,  Real  Estate,  West  End,  661 
State  Street. — The  growth  of  this  city  in  the 
section  known  as  the  West  End  is  remarkable, 
and  being  finely  located  it  is  certainly  one  of  the 
most  desirable  parts  of  the  city,  being  near  that 
most  beautiful  spot,  Seaside  Park,  and  also  with- 
in easy  access  by  horse  cars  of  the  business  por- 
tion. Mr.  W.  B.  Bostwick  has  done  much 
towards  bringing  up  real  estate  in  this  section, 
and  offers  houses  or  lots  on  most  favorable  terms. 
Parties  will  find  it  a  great  advantage  to  deal 
with  him  as  being  the  owner  himself  they  can 
make  much  more  reasonable  terms  than  through 
a  third  party. 

Mr.  Bostwick's  office  is  located  at  No.  661 
State  street  and  is  admirably  arranged  and  locat- 
ed for  the  business  and  as  he  is  gifted  with  un- 
usual enterprise  and  ability  of  management  he 
has  built  up  a  large  trade.  He  enjoys  the  esteem  of 
a  large  circle  of  friends  and  is  a  popular  citizen. 
His  rent  department  is  under  the  able  and 
efficient  management  of  Mr.  Stephen  Os- 
born,  who  attends  to  the  collecting,  etc.  We 
advise  all  contemplating  buying  land  or  houses 
to  give  Mr.  Bostwick  a  call  and  we  feel  assured 
tbey  will  feel  amply  repaid. 

This  gentleman  has  just  purchased  a  tract  of 
100  acres  of  land  which  being  bounded  on  three 
sides  by  deep  water,  is  navigable  by  vessels  of 
heavy  draught.  The  advantage  of  this  land 
possessing  as  it  does  ample  railroad  facilities  will 
be  readily  seen  by  manufacturers. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


129 


Nichols,  Peck  &  Co.,  Carriage  Manufacturers, 
Rockaway  and  Depot  Wagons  a  Specialty,  97  and 
99  John  Street. — This  old  and  responsihle 
house  was  founded  in  1843,  and  has  always  held 
a  prominent  place  among  the  important  indus- 
trial interests  of  Bridgeport. 

Since  the  death  of  Mr.  Peck,  nearly  thirty  years 
ago,  the  business  has  been  conducted  with  signal 
success  by  Messrs.  Geo.  K.  Nichols  and  Carlos 
W.  Blackman,  and  the  reputation  of  the  old 
house  for  the  superior  styles  and  quality  of  its 
products  has  always  been  maintained. 

The  works  of  Messrs.  Nichols,  Peck  &  Co.  are 
located  at  Nos.  97  and  99  John  street,  and  are  in 
every  regard  complete  and  thoroughly  equipped, 
the  machinery,  which  is  of  the  latest  improved 
designs,  being  operated  by  steam. 

The  main  building  is  a  substantial  four-story 
structure  60x125  feet  in  dimensions,  and  a  large 
force  of  skilled  workmen  are  employed  in  the 
various  departments  in  the  manufacture  of  car- 
riages of  all  kinds. 

The  firm  make  a  specialty  of  Rockaways  and 
Depot  Wagons;  for  the  styles,  finish  and  durabil- 
ity, they  enjoy  well-earned  distinction,  and  the 
demand  for  these  specialties  is  large  and  con- 
stant, their  trade  extending  to  all  points  of  this 
and  adjoining  States. 

Messrs.  Nichols  &  Blackman  are  experienced 
practical  carriage  builders,  and  supervise  in  per- 
son, all  the  materials  used  and  every  detail  of 
workmanship,  and  with  every  vehicle  they  give 
a  guarantee  as  to  durability  and  general  excel- 
lence. 

They  keep  in  stock  a  large  assortment  of  fin- 
ished carriages  and  wagons,  and  make  special 
work  to  order  with  dispatch,  and  in  the  most  sat- 
isfactory manner.  They  are  prompt,  liberal  and 
reliable  in  their  engagements  and  enjoy  the  full 
confidence  of  their  trade  and  correspondents,  and 
fellow-citizens  as  well. 

Devitt  Bros.,  Groceries  and  Meat  Market, 
Best  Kind  of  Beef,  etc.,  corner  Harrall  Avenue 
and  Pequonnock  Street. — Among  the  old  establish- 
ed houses  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  provision 
trade  in  this  city  we  find  Devitt  Brothers,  locat- 
ed at  the  corner  of  Harrall  avenue  and  Pequon- 
nock street. 

This  business  was  established  thirty-seven 
years  ago  in  1850  by  the  present  management, 
having  undergone  no  changes  in  that  space  of 
time,  and  having  met  with  unusual  success  since 
its  start. 

The  store  occupied  consists  of  one  story  and 
basement,  and  covers  an  area  of  44x44  feet.  It 
is  stocked  with  a  choice  line  of  goods,  including 
tea,  coffee,  spices,  sugar,  flour,  and  the  many 
articles  usually  found  in  a  first-class  grocery 
establishment. 

Employment  is  given  to  five  competent  assis- 
tants, and  all  customers  are  waited  upon  in  a  po- 
lite and  attentive  manner,  orders  being  promptly 
and  carefully  filled  and  delivered.  The  facilities 
enjoyed  by  this  house  for  obtaining  first-class 
goods  are  unsurpassed  by  any  of  its  contempora- 
ries, and  the  prices  are  as  reasonable  as  any  store 
in  the  city. 

The  members  of  the  firm  are  active  and  intelli 
gent  business  men  fully  understanding  every  de- 
tail, and  their  aim   is  to  cater  satisfactorily  to 


their  numerous  customers  as  well  as  to  the  pub- 
lic in  general.  Mr.  James  Devitt  has  been  a 
member  of  the  Common  Council  for  one  year  and 
is  well  and  favorably  known. 

Allen's    Real   Estate    and    Broker's    Office. 

Property  Rented  and  Rents  Collected;  F.  C. 
Allen,  Manager,  Arnold  Building,  275  Main 
Street. — In  a  work  of  this  character,  which 
relates  to  the  commerce,  resources  and  industrial 
advance  of  the  city,  it  will  not  ill  become  us  to 
speak  of  the  business  of  a  gentleman  who, 
although  a  young  man,  is  alive  and  up  to  the 
times,  and  has  ever  taken  an  active  part  in 
Bridgeport's  prosperity  and  well-being.  At  this 
period  of  writing  he  is  concerned  in  the  pursuits 
embraced  under  the  above  headings. 

We  refer  to  Mr.  F.  C.  Allen,  whose  real  estate, 
employment  and  broker's  office  is  located  at  275 
Main  street,  in  the  Arnold  Building.  Mr.  Allen 
attends  to  all  kinds  of  real  estate  business,  such 
as  buying,  selling  and  renting  property.  In  this 
he  transacts  a  large  and  first  class  trade.  He 
always  has  a  large  list  of  valuable  properties  for 
sale  and  rent,  and  his  thorough,  prompt  and 
honorable  methods  have  built  up  his  large  and 
successful  business,  and  won  for  him  an  emi- 
nently fine  reputation. 

Rents  are  collected,  and  the  general  manage- 
ment assumed  of  estates,  if  desired,  thus  reliev- 
ing large  property  holders  of  a  great  deal  of 
trouble  and  annoyance. 

Mr.  Allen  being  a  native,  born  and  brought  up 
in  this  city,  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  this 
community,  and  it  is  with  pleasure  that  we 
extend  to  him  this  merited  courtesy.  His  office 
is  also  the  best  place  in  the  city  where  domestic 
help  of  all  kinds  can  be  secured  at  short  notice. 
A  call  at  his  new  office  will  convince  all  that  he 
is  a  wide-awake  business  man. 

H.  Hay  ward,  Dealer  in  Beef,  Pork,  Mutton, 
Veal,  Poultry,  Etc.,  Vegetables  in  their  Season. 
Excelsior  Market,  corner  South  and  West  Ave- 
nues.— It  is  always  pleasant  to  do  business  with 
an  establishment  that  carries  a  large  and  fresh 
stock  of  the  goods  in  which  it  deals,  for  not  only 
is  satisfaction  more  surely  guaranteed  by  reason 
of  the  greater  latitude  of  choice  possible,  but 
there  is  invariably  an  air  of  prosperity  and  thrift 
permeating  the  premises  which  is  both  gratifying 
and  attractive.  A.  business  enterprise  of  this 
character  that  has  been  carried  on  for  a  score  of 
years  by  its  founder  and  present  proprietor  is 
that  known  as  the  Excelsior  Market  conducted 
by  Mr.  H.  Hayward  at  the  corner  of  South  and 
West  avenues.  This  gentleman,  who  is  a  native 
of  England,  inaugurated  this  business  in  1867 
and  has  built  up  a  large,  desirable  and  growing 
trade  by  strict  application  and  careful  study  of 
his  customers  needs.  His  store  is  60x25  feet  in 
dimensions  and  contains  and  well  selected  assort- 
ment of  beef,  pork,  veal,  mutton,  poultry,  hams, 
etc.,  as  well  as  all  kinds  of  vegetables  in  their 
seasons.  While  only  reliable  goods  are  offered 
the  prices  rule  very  low,  and  as  two  efficient 
assistants  are  employed,  patrons  are  served 
promptly  and  courteously.  During  the  many 
years  this  establishment  has  catered  to  the  public 
it  has  gained  a  high  reputation  which  will  no 
i  doubt  be  fully  maintained  in  the  future. 


130 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BRIDGEPORT. 


Henry  N.  Ayers,  Dealer  in  Boots  and  Shoes, 
381  Main  Street,  Bridgeport. — A  well  known 
house,  whose  reputation  for  keeping  a  full  and 
desirable  line  of  first-class  Boots  and  Shoes  is 
that  of  Henry  N.  Ayres.  This  is  one  of  the  hand- 
somest stores  in  the  city,  with  plenty  of  sun- 
shine, and  a  general  air  of  neatness  and  order 
that  speaks  well  for  the  systematic  management 
of  its  affairs.  With  ample  capacity  to  transact 
their  increasing  business,  the  house  is  able  to  meet 
the  most  exacting  demands  of  its  patrons,  and 
take  advantage  of  all  the  new  styles  on  their  first 
appearance  upon  the  market.  While  confined  to 
the  retail  trade  exclusively,  the  transactions  in 
aggregate  assume  a  wholesale  magnitude,  both 
in  stock  and  sales;  a  large  corps  of  assistants  are 
required,  and  the  general  character  of  the  stock 
is  all  that  can  be  desired,  embracing  the  goods 
of  the  most  celebrated  manufacturers,  and  ex- 
pressly adapted  for  the  trade;  and  the  slimmest 
or  the  fullest  foot  can  be  accommodated  to  per- 
fection in  all  styles  of  goods. 

In  view  of  the  facts  enumerated,  it  is  not  sur- 
prising that  the  house  to  which  we  refer  has 
achieved  such  marked  prominence  in  the  busi- 
ness. Mr.  Ayers  is  to-day  a  representative  deal- 
er in  his  vocation,  not  only  in  view  of  his 
long  experience  and  systematic  management,  but 
he  is  also  equally  conspicuous  for  enterprise  and 
liberality  in  all  his  dealings.  As  a  result  the 
very  best  class  of  customers  have  become  perma- 
nent patrons. 


Merwin  House,  Fairfield,  Lyman  Merwin, 
Prop. — One  of  the  most  charming  of  summer 
resorts  in  Connecticut  is  the  Merwin  House. 

The  house  is  situated  in  the  charming  and  his- 
torical town  of  Fairfield,  celebrated  for  its  mag- 
nificent    drives,     beautiful    residences,   shaded 


streets,  good  churches  and  the  best  boating  and 
bathing  facilities  on  the  coast. 

A  finer  beach  cannot  be  found.  An  excellent 
livery  is  another  feature  not  to  be  despised  in  the 
country.  Its  contiguity  to  New  York  City, 
reached  by  either  the  New  Haven  and  Hartford 
railroad,  or  by  Norwalk  or  Bridgeport  steam- 
boats, renders  this  famous  resort  of  especial  value 
to  business  men  and  their  families,  while  the 
salubrity  of  its  climate  and  absolute  freedom 
from  malaria  or  any  contagious  diseases  ensures 
conditions  of  health  of  the  greatest  value. 

The  Merwin  House  is  one  of  the  best  as  well  as 
the  oldest  house  in  town,  and  is  under  the  able 
and  efficient  management  of  Mr.  Lyman  Mer- 
win, who  is  a  genial  and  clever  gentleman.  The 
building  occupied  for  hotel  purposes  is  a  large 
wooden  structure  of  three  stories,  finely  located 
at  the  junction  of  two  of  the  principal  streets  in 
town.  It  is  kept  in  thorough  repair  both  inside 
and  out,  and  presents  a  beautiful  and  homelike 
appearance.  It  has  sixty-five  rooms  all  finely 
furnished  and  neatly  kept,  and  no  pains  are 
spared  to  add  to  the  pleasure  and  comfort  of  the 
guests.  The  house  is  a  favorite  one  among 
pleasure  seekers  as  well  as  business  men,  and  our 
readers  who  visit  Fairfield  can  rest  assured  of 
being  well  cared  for,  and  at  as  low  rates  as  first 
class  accommodations  can  be  had. 

Bountiful  fare  is  provided,  the  cuisine  being 
first  class  in  all  its  appointments.  Polite  and  at- 
tentive service  is  rendered  to  all,  and  everything 
possible  is  done  to  make  it  as  homelike  as  possi- 
ble to  guests. 

Mr.  Merwin,  the  proprietor,  has  long  been  con- 
nected with  the  enterprise,  and  is  a  gentleman  of 
long  and  thorough  experience  in  the  business. 

Carriages  meet  all  the  trains  at  the  depot,  con- 
vey guests  to  and  from  the  house,  and  trunks  are 
delivered  free  of  charge.  Terms  are  reasonable 
|  and  can  be  had  on  application. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH  OF  NORWALK. 


Like  many  other  New  England  cities,  Norwalk  owes  its  existence  to  the  wise 
forethought  and  action  of  a  few  able  men.  Before  any  of  the  various  settlements  in 
the  present  State  of  Connecticut  had  become  firmly  established,  while  the  foundation 
stones  were  being  laid  in  Hartford  and  New  Haven,  Roger  Ludlow,  an  English 
settler,  about  whom  very  little  is  now  known,  in  1640  made  negotiations  for  the  pur- 
chase from  the  Indians  of  territory,  including  part  of  the  City  of  Norwalk. 

A  few  years  later  these  purchases  were  followed  up  by  another  of  Captain  Daniel 
Patrick's,  of  whom  the  name  is  about  all  that  has  survived  in  history.  These  two 
pieces  of  land  included  Norwalk,  and  also  the  towns  of  New  Canaan  and  Wilton. 
The  name  of  Norwalk  is  derived  from  its  situation,  for,  according  to  the  original 
bargain  of  1640,  "the  northern  bounds  of  the  lands  purchased  were  to  extend  from 
the  sea  one  day's  ' north  ioalki  into  the  country." 

In  1649,  Nathan  Ely  and  Richard  Olmstead  were  given  permission  by  the  General 
Court  to  settle  here,  and  the  town  came  to  be  definitely  known  as  Norwalk.  At  this 
time  there  were  about  twenty  families  in  the  settlement.  Four  years  later  it  was 
vested  with  town  privileges  by  the  Court. 

The  town  now  began  to  steadily  increase,  many  of  the  best  settlers  in  other  parts 
of  the  State  being  attracted  hither  by  its  beautiful  and  advantageous  situation.  In 
the  formation  of  the  Colonial  Constitution,  at  the  union  of  Connecticut  and  New 
Haven  in  1665,  and  also  in  the  government  of  the  Colony  from  that  time  on,  many 
of  Norwalk's  citizens  took  an  important  part.  In  the  war  with  King  Philip,  the  in- 
habitants were,  for  the  first  time,  called  upon  to  bear  arms  for  the  Colony,  on  which 
occasion  a  large  pi*oportion  of  the  fifty  able-bodied  men  in  the  place  volunteered  and 
did  excellent  service. 

Norwalk  sustained  its  duty  with  honor  in  all  the  colonial  wars  with  the  Indians 
and  French  up  to  the  time  of  the  Revolution.  The  office  of  Governor  of  the  Colony 
was  held  by  a  citizen  of  Norwalk,  Thomas  Fitch,  from  1754  to  1766.  Governor 
Fitch  also  rendered  valuable  service  to  the  Colony  as  Lieutenant-Governor,  from 
1750  to  1754,  as  Chief  Judge  for  four  years,  and  as  a  member  of  the  committee 
appointed  by  the  legislature  to  revise  the  laws  of  the  Colony.  He  died  in  1774,  and 
there  are  few  names  in  the  early  history  of  Connecticut  which  represent  more 
important  services  or  redound  more  to  the  honor  of  the  State  than  that  of  Governor 
Fitch,  of  Norwalk. 

The  Revolutionary  War  made  a  heavy  draft  upon  the  men  and  resources  of  Nor- 
walk, which  it  was  not  slow  to  respond  to  generously.  On  the  11th  of  July,  1779, 
the  town  was  taken  and  burnt  during  an  invasion  of  the  British.  Tryon,  the  nominal 
British  Governor  of  Connecticut,  and  General  Garth  made  a  sudden  descent  upon 


132  KORWALK,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


Norwalk,  after  having  laid  Fairfield  in  ashes.  The  attack  was  not  so  sudden  or  un- 
expected' however,  but  that  most  of  the  inhabitants  had  had  time  to  flee  during  the 
night.  Tryon,  on  landing,  marched  to  Grumman  Hill,  where  he  made  his  head- 
quarters. About  fifty  minute-men,  under  Captain  Stephen  Betts,  offered  brave  but 
unavailing  resistance  to  the  overpowering  forces  of  the  British.  These  suffered  con- 
siderable loss  at  the  hands  of  the  Continentals,  for  according  to  Tryon's  report,  he 
lost  twenty  men  killed,  ninety-six  wounded,  and  thirty-two  missing. 

The  usual  heartless  brutality  attended  this  destructive  visit  of  the  enemy.  All 
but  six  houses  were  burnt  to  the  ground,  these  exceptions  being  granted  to  the 
houses  of  Tories.  Not  even  the  two  churches  were  spared.  In  all,  one  hundred  and 
ninety  buildings  and  five  vessels  were  consumed.  The  loss  of  property  was  estimated 
by    a   committee   appointed    for   that    purpose    by   the    legislature    to    have    been 

$116,238.66. 

Alarmed  by  the  gathering  numbers  of  the  patriots,  the  British  had  to  make 
a  hurried  retreat  about  noon,  taking  all  the  Tories  along  with  them.  Out  of  the 
ashes  of  self-sacrifice  soon  arose  a  larger  and  more  beautiful  town.  Hardly  a  decade 
had  passed  since  the  Revolution,  under  the  beneficent  government  of  the  Union, 
before  a  considerable  manufacturing  interest  had  been  established  in  Norwalk, 
which  has  continued  to  grow  ever  since.  Soon  after  their  introduction  on  the  Sound, 
a  steamboat  line  was  inaugurated  connecting  Norwalk  with  New  York,  thus  adding 
a  decided  impetus  to  her  prosperity. 

Several  large  hat  factories  and  one  of  the  finest  carpet  manufactories  in  the  fetate 
had  already  developed  into  large  proportions  by  1834.  In  1840,  the  population  had 
increased  to  3, S63.     A  decade  later  it  was  4,651. 

As  is  the  case  in  the  history  of  most  communities,  the  records  of  this  period  ot 
peaceful  progress  are  very  meagre,  and  the  current  of  events  during  the 
years  preceding  the  civil  war  can  only  be  determined  by  occasional  important 
occurrences.  That,  simultaneously  with  the  growth  of  its  material  prosperity,  the 
uplifting  of  thought  and  judgment  concerning  the  great  questions  of  the  times  was 
going  on  here  steadily,  cannot  be  doubted.  The  progress  of  the  slavery  question 
aroused  increasing  interest  as  it  continued  to  grow  upon  the  country,  until,  when  the 
dav  of  trial  came,  the  citizens  of  Norwalk  were  found  ready. 

Old  and  middle-aged  residents  can  vividly  picture  in  memory,  the  tremendous 
excitement  during  the  days  subsequent  to  the  fall  of  Fort  Sumter.  In  no  State 
was  the  war-spirit  more  enthusiastic,  the  war  meetings  more  frequent  and  general, 
the  war  preparations  more  devoted  than  in  sturdy  old  Connecticut,  and  none  of  its 
cities  surpassed  Norvvalk  in  this  respect.  Volunteers  were  numerous  and  prompt. 
In  the  Third  Conn.  Vol.  Regt,  sent  out  early  in  1861,  and  among  the  first  to  arrive 
at  Washington,  went  Capt.  Douglass  Fowler,  Co.  A,  with  one  hundred  brave  men 
from  Norwalk.  A  fund  was  at  once  generously  raised  by  the  citizens,  by  which  each 
volunteer  was  paid  ten  dollars  bounty  on  enlistment  and  five   dollars   extra  pay  each 

month  of  service.  .  .  . 

O  S  Ferry  of  Norwalk,  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Fifth  Connecticut  which 
went  out  in  the  fall  of  1861.  Leaving  a  large  law  practice  for  the  sake  of  the  coun- 
try Col  Ferry  led  his  troops  to  the  field,  and  rendered  such  gallant  services  during 
the  war  that  by  shear  merit  alone,  he  won  a  brigadier-generalship  Company  E 
Capl    "W   Wyant,  of  the  same  regiment,  the  Fifth,  was  composed  mostly  of  Norwalk 


NORWALK,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  133 

men,  who  did  honor  to  their  city  in  many  a  hard  fought  battle.  A  large  part  of 
Company  A,  Fourteenth  Conn.  Regiment,  were  citizens  of  Norwalk,  and  the  city 
was  represented  in  many  companies  of  almost  all  the  State  regiments  which  went 
out. 

The  same  anxious  waiting  for  news  from  loved  ones  on  the  field  of  battle,  the 
same  mingled  joy  and  sadness  at  a  great  victory  gained  but  a  friend  or  relative,  lost, 
the  same  unwearying  toil  for  the  soldiers  and  their  country,  which  was  the  universal 
experience  of  the  time,  marked  the  four  dread  years  of  civil  conflict  in  Norwalk. 
On  almost  every  great  battle-ground  some  of  her  sons  yielded  up  their  lives,  and 
throughout  the  South,  on  the  sunny  hillside  or  in  the  dismal  swamp,  many  of  them 
in  unmarked  graves  are  sleeping  to-day. 

Beside  General  Ferry,  Norwalk  was  represented  by  Brigadier-General  Wm,  T. 
Clark,  whose  zeal  and  ability,  displayed  in  many  an  important  engagement,  won 
merited  reward,  also  by  Lieut.  Col.  Cunningham  of  the  Eighth  Conn.  Volunteers,  a 
talented  officer  and  chivalrous  soldier.  Many  other  commissioned  officers,  among 
whom  Lieut.  Thos.  Norton,  whose  untimely,  fate  created  unmitigated  sorrow,  should 
be  mentioned,  as  well  as  no  less  devoted  and  patriotic  private  soldiers,  sustained  the 
reputation  of  the  commonwealth  and  city  for  intrepid  bravery,  with  heroic  self-sac- 
rifice. More  than  three  hundred  volunteers  went  out  from  Norwalk,  and  as  many 
score  never  returned. 

At  the  time  of  the  war,  the  grand  list  of  Norwalk  showed  the  total  valuation  of 
the  property  in  tehe  city  to  be  $4,676,978.  The  contribution  by  the  citizens  of  §82,- 
938  to  the  general  expenses  of  the  war-government,  demonstrates  the  unselfish 
patriotism  which  animated  the  minds  of  the  people,  and  upon  which  the  security 
and  even  the  existence  of  our  country  must  ever  depend.  In  this  account  of  Nor- 
walk's  part  in  the  war,  one  name  deserves  honorable  mention,  that  of  Mr.  A.  H.  By- 
ington,  of  Norwalk,  the  war-correspondent  of  the  New  York  Tribune.  The  services 
of  men  like  Mi*.  Byington  are  not  so  widely  known  or  appreciated  as  those  of  men 
in  more  conspicuous  positions  during  the  war,  but  the  indomitable  spirit  and  unrest- 
ing activity  he  displayed  surprised  and  delighted  Horace  Greeley  and  are  worthy  of 
the  most  honorable  recognition. 

During  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  all  telegraphic  communications  with  the  field 
were  destroyed.  By  risking  his  life  in  scouring  the  region  around,  Mr.  Byington 
succeeded  in  getting  men  to  help  him  restore  one  of  the  broken  lines  through  miles 
of  rough  desolated  land,  and  when  it  had  been  set  in  operation,  after  the  most 
'heroic  exertions,  not  only  did  the  Tribune  receive  the  first  and  only  accurate  news  of 
the  battle,  but  the  line  was  placed  by  its  restorer  at  the  service  of 'Gen.  Meade  and 
the  War  Department,  for  which  important  service  Mr.  Byington  received  the  per- 
sonal  recognition  and  thanks  of  President  Lincoln.  Such  quietly  performed  deeds 
of  exemplary  talent  and  devotion  are  most  pleasant  to  learn  of  and  to  read. 

The  close  of  the  war  found  Norwalk  somewhat  poorer  in  numbers  and  riches,  but 
unspeakably  enriched  by  noble  traditions  and  the  memory  of  the  sainted  dead.  Dur- 
ing the  last  few  years  of  the  war  the  manufacturing  interests  received  a  marked  im. 
petus,  which  continued  to  increase  for  several  years.  Through  all  the  unhealthy  ex- 
citement and  business  fluctuations  of  the  subsequent  years  in  all  parts  of  the  country 
there  has  been  a  steady  advance  in  all  the  various  departments  of  mercantile  and 
mechanical  activity  in  the  city. 


134  NORWALK,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


At  the  present  time  the  town  of  Norwalk  consists  of  the  borough  of  Norwalk 
proper  and  the  city  of  South  Norwalk.  The  borough  contains  between  eight  and 
nine  thousand  inhabitants,  and  in  everything  but  name  is  a  representative  and  enter- 
prising city.  It  is  situated  upon  the  Norwalk  River  about  one-and-a-half  miles  to 
the  north  of  South  Norwalk  in  a  valley,  with  peculiar  natural  advantages  and 
beautiful  in  every  respect. 

On  the  direct  line  of  the  New  York,  New  Haven  &  Hartford  Railroad  and  also 
the  Danbury  &  Norwalk  Railroad,  with  regular  steamboat  connections  with  New 
York  city  beside,  nothing  more  could  be  desired  in  the  way  of  transportation  facili- 
ties. It  has  for  many  years  been  a  favorite  home  for  the  city  merchants,  and  its 
fame  as  a  summer  resort  is  widely  known.  The  prospect  from  the  borough  toward 
the  river  and  Sound  presents  a  most  varied  and  attractive  outlook.  The  wide  and 
stately  avenues  are  lined  by  the  magnificent  elms  and  maples,  which  add  another 
charm  to  the  beauties  of  the  place.  The  healthful  location  of  the  borough  is  not  the 
least  of  its  attractions,  the  natural  advantages  of  atmosphere,  river  and  dry  soil,  being 
supplemented  by  the  most  assiduous  care    on  the  part  of  the  officers  of  the  borough. 

In  addition  to  the  railroads  there  is  an  excellent  horse-railway  connecting  the 
borough  with  South  Norwalk.  There  are  several  large  and  beautiful  churches,  three 
banks,  and  private  educational  institutions  of  the  highest  character,  which  in  addi- 
tion to  the  admirable  public  schools,  render  the  borough  of  Norwalk  an  ideal  resi- 
dence to  those  seeking  to  combine  the  advantages  of  the  city  with  the  pleasures  and 
repose  of  country  life. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  MILL 


National  Bank  of  Norwalk. — For  thirty  years 
the  National  Bank  of  Norwalk  has  taken  promi- 
nent part  in  promoting  the  growth,  and  prosperi- 
ty of  the  town  and  section,  and  its  influence  has 
been  felt  and  gratefully  recognized  by  the  leaders 
of  successful  manufacturing  and  mercantile  indus- 
try throughout  Fairfield  County. 

Under  the  name  of  The  Bank  of  Norwalk,  the 
institution  was  organized  and  incorporated  under 
the  State  laws,  and  was  reorganized  under  the 
National  Banking  Laws,  with  its  present  corpo- 
rate name,  in  1865.  With  a  capital  stock  of  $240,- 
000,  the  bank  has  ever  extended  substantial  aid 
to  deserving  enterprise,  and  its  loug  career  has 
been  one  of  great  usefulness.  The  condition  of 
this  institution  as  shown  by  its  statement,  attests 
the  sagacity  and  prudence  of  the  management 
past  and  present,  and  the  intelligence  and  finan- 
cial ability  of  the  officers  and  their  policy  has  es- 
tablished the  institution  in  universal  confidence. 

In  order  to  meet  the  requirements  of  its  in- 
creasing business  as  well  as  for  better  protection 
against  the  modern  burglar,  it  has  very  recently 
purchased  a  massive  burglar  proof  safe,  also  a 
new  vault  door  and  entrance  to  vault.  This 
work  is  of  the  most  modern,  and  manufactured 
by  special  order,  combining  several  new  features 
of  safe  wrork. 

The  officers  are:  President,  E.  Hill;  Vice- 
President,  E.  J.  Hill;  Cashier,  H.  P.  Price,  and 
•the  two  first  named,  with  the  following,  consti- 
tute the  Board  of  Directors:  Edward  Beard, 
E.  K.  Lockwood,  J.  A.  Osborn,  O.  E.  Wilson, 
D.  W.  Fitch,  and  William  G.  Thomas,  all 
of  whom  are  prominent,  influential  manufact- 
urers and  merchants  of  this  section,  whose  com- 
mercial standing  emphasizes  the  faith  of  the  gen- 
eral public  in  the  solidity  of  the  institution. 


O.  E.  Wilson,  General  Insurance  and  Real  Es- 
tate Agent,  Room  No.  3,  Gazette  Building. — 
The  enterprising  Insurance  and  Real  Estate  firm 
of  O.  E.  Wilson,  organized  in  1872,  has  built  up 
a  surprising  amount  of  trade  within  the  period 
during  which  it  has  been  operation,  and  the 
amount  of  its  annual  business  shows  how  impor- 
tant are  its  transactions  as  related  to  the  business 
interests  of  the  city. 

It  is  the  vast  amount  of  business  done  by  the 
leading  firms  of  the  city  which  effectually  pre- 
vents stagnation  in  trade  and  creates  and  fosters 
a  business  vitality  which  permeates  all  the  small- 
er industries. 

The  business  of  this  energetic  house  is  mostly 
local,  the  bulk  of  it  being  confined  to  the  citv 


and  especially  the  suburbs,  but  it  also  reaches 
out  into  all  quarters  of  the  State.  Those  who 
have  had  occasion  to  deal  with  Mr.  Wilson  can 
testify  to  his  gentlemanly  and  business  qualities 
and  the  uniform  courtesy  and  consideration  ex- 
tended to  all  his  patrons.  Mr.  Wilson  is  promi- 
nently interested  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  growth 
and  improvement  of  Norwalk,  and  he  labors 
zealously  not  only  to  meet  the  public  wants  in 
the  way  of  sales  and  private  transactions  in  the 
line  of  Real  Estate,  but  also  to  aid  and  en- 
courage all  those  public  expedients  which 
are  from  time  to  time  devised  and  put  into 
execution  to  forward  the  material  prosperity  of 
this  city. 

His  office,  located  in  Room  No.  3,  Gazette 
Building,  is  a  model  of  neatness  and  convenience, 
well  calculated  to  facilitate  in  the  best  manner 
possible  the  despatch  of  business  connected  with 
the  numerous  transactions  in  Real  Estate  in 
which  this  enterprising  house  is  at  all  times 
engaged. 

Mr.  Oliver  E.  Wilson  is  anat^eof  Harwinton, 
Litchfield  County,  Connecticut,  and  is  well 
known  and  highly  respected  in  business  and 
social  circles.  Mr.  Wilson  is  also  agent  for  the 
following  list  of  Fire,  Life,  Accident,  Tornado 
and  Plate  Glass  Insurance  Companies: 

New  York  Life  Insurance  Co.,  assets  $74,000,- 
000;  Girard  of  Philadelphia,  started  in  business 
in  1853,  assets  $1,357,468;  The  Pacific  of  New 
York,  assets  $753,854,  chartered  1878;  Agricul- 
tural of  Watertown,  assets  $1,782,720;  American 
Philadelphia,  assets  $1,768,092;  Hanover  of  New 
York,  assets  $2,547,326;  Howard  of  New  York, 
assets  $879,468;  New  Hampshire  of  Manchester, 
$1,014,579;  Niagara  of  New  York,  $1,851,597; 
Orient  of  Hartford,  $1,474,443;  Phomix  of  New 
York,  assets $4,342,430;  Phoenix  of  London,  assets 
$5,619,408;  Scottish  Union  and  National  of  Lon- 
don, $14,031,409;  Sun  of  London,  $40,000,000; 
State  Mutual  of  Hartford,  $48,819;  Union  of  Phil- 
adelphia, assets  $866,429;  Williamsburg  City  of 
New  York,  $1,191,180;  Continental  Life  of  Hart- 
ford, $3,000,000;  Travelers'  Life  and  Accident 
of  Hartford,  $6,000,000;  Fidelity  and  Casualty 
Plate  Glass  of  New  York,  $521,000. 

The  stability  of  these  companies  has  been  dem- 
onstrated by  their  long  standing  and  by  the  con- 
fidence put  in  them  by  their  friends.  They  are 
the  chief  insurance  companies  in  the  world,  and 
Mr.  Wilson  was  fortunate  in  obtaining  the 
agency  for  them. 

Mr.  Wilson  has  been  a  member  of  the  grand 
jury,  is  a  director  of  the  National  Bank  of  Nor- 
walk, constable,  and  justice  of  the  peace,  all  of 
which  positions  he  fills  in  a  creditable  manner. 


136 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  NORWALK. 


Fairfield  County  National  Bank,  44  Wall 
Street. — This,  the  oldest  and  leading  Bank  of 
Fairfield  County,  was  incorporated  as  the  Fair- 
field County  Bank  in  1824,  and  was  reorganized 
under  the  National  Banking  Laws  in  1865,  and 
keeping  equal  pace  with  the  growth  of  the  town, 
its  influence  has  greatly  expanded,  and  the  field 
of  its  operations  has  been  widely  extended. 

With  a  paid  up  capital  stock  of  $300,000,  and 
a  large  surplus,  the  facilities  of  the  Bank  for 
extending  aid  to  deserving  enterprise  and  for  a 
large,  general  banking  business  are  all  that  could 
be  desired,  and  the  excellent  condition  of  the 
affairs  of  the  institution  is  a  monument  to  the 
financial  ability  of  the  management  past  and 
present. 

The  prudence  and  sagacity  which  character- 
izes the  policy  of  the  officers  has  steadily 
strengthened  this  time-honored  institution  in 
public  confidence,  and  the  sterling  worth  and 
high  standing  of  all  concerned  or  entrusted  with 
the  important  interests  of  the  Bank  accentuates 
the  general  verdict  as  to  the  solidity  of  the  cor- 
poration, its  usefulness  and  success. 

The  officers  of  the  Bank  are  as  follows:  Presi- 
dent, F.  St.  John  Lockwood,  Cashier,  Lester  S. 
Cole;  Directors — F.  St.  John  Lockwood,  Chas. 
E.  St.  John,  Winfield  S.  Moody,  John  H.  Perry, 
Ira  Cole,  Wm.  B.  E.  Lockwood,  Geo.  R.  Cowles, 
David  H.  Miller,  men  whose  financial  ability  and 
commercial  integrity  in  fullest  measure  justifies 
the  confidence  of  the  stockholders,  patrons 
and  correspondents  of  the  Bank  and  the  general 
public. 


F.  J.  Curtis  &  Co.,  Dealers  in  Stoves, 
Ranges,  Wooden,  Tin  and  Agate  Ware,  Crockery 
and  Glass,  Cutler}^  and  Silver  Plated  Ware,  23 
Main  Street. — This  well  known  house,  one  of  the 
old  trade  land-marks  of  Norwalk  was  founded 
in  1840,  by  Mr.  L.  J.  Curtis,  and  for  three  years 
past  the  large  trade  has  been  successfully  con- 
ducted by  the  firm  above  named,  who  succeeded 
the  founder  in  April,  1884. 

The  large  store  and  workshop  of  Messrs.  Cur- 
tis &  Co.  is  located  at  23  Main  street,  and  com- 
prise three  floors  and  basement  of  their  large 
building,  20x80  feet  in  dimensions,  and  the  fa- 
cilities for  display  and  storage  of  merchandise 
and  for  all  kinds  of  tin  and  stove  work,  are  all 
that  could  be  desired. 

The  stock  comprises  a  very  large  and  complete 
assortment  of  Stoves,  Ranges,  Wooden,  Tin  and 
Agate  Ware,  Crockery,  Glass,  Lamps,  Cutlery 
and  Silver  Plated  Ware,  and  at  lowest  possible 
margins.  This  firm  supplies  the  best  merchandise 
in  the  market,  and  guarantees  satisfaction. 

By  steadily  adhering  to  their  fixed  purpose  to 
give  the  best  value  to  patrons,  and  by  their 
promptitude  and  honorable  methods,  Messrs. 
Curtis  &  Co.  have  more  than  maintained  the 
prestige  and  patronage  of  this  old  house,  and 
their  worth  has  firmly  established  them  in  a  large 
and  growing  trade  and  in  general  confidence. 

Messrs.  F.  J.  and  A.  B.  Curtis  are  the  individ- 
ual members  of  this  live  firm.  They  are  natives 
of  Connecticut,  and  in  a  wide  range  of  business 
and  personal  acquaintance  they  are  held  in  high 
esteem  and  regard. 


G.  H.  Raymond,  Furniture  Dealer,  Furnish- 
ing Undertaker  and  Embalmer,  No.  36  Main 
Street. — This  is  one  of  the  old  business  land- 
marks of  Norwalk,  the  house  having  been  estab- 
lished by  the  father  of  the  present  proprietor 
over  forty  years  ago.  To  the  large  trade  devel- 
oped Mr.  G.  H.  Raymond  succeeded  in  1872,  and 
under  his  sagaciouB  management  the  reputation 
and  patronage  of  the  old  concern  has  been  more 
than  maintained. 

Mr.  Raymond  occupies  large  warerooms  at  No. 
36  Main  street,  with  work  shop  in  the  rear,  and 
employs  several  competent  assistants  in  the  man- 
agement of  his  business.  He  carries  in  stock  a 
large  and  desirable  assortment  of  furniture,  suf- 
ficiently varied  to  meet  all  requirements,  and  at 
lowest  margins  above  actual  cost  of  production., 
this  reliable  dealer  supplies  every  demand  in  his 
line  and  guarantees  the  fullest  satisfaction. 

He  is  an  experienced  Undertaker  and  skillful 
embalmer,  and  conducts  funeral  ceremonies  with 
the  most  considerate  care,  supplying  everything 
required  for  the  rites  of  burial.  His  terms  are 
uniformly  reasonable  and  fullest  confidence  in 
his  professional  worth  and  ability  is  always  war- 
ranted. 

Mr.  Raymond  is  a  native  of  Norwalk  and  is 
one  of  the  representative  and  successful  business 
men  and  influential  citizens  of  the  place. 


George  S.  Gregory,  Livery,  Boarding,  Sale, 
Feed  and  Exchange  Stable,  No.  14  Knight 
Street.— There  are  few  towns  in  New  England, 
and  indeed  few  cities  in  this  section  that  can 
boast  a  more  complete  and  ably  conducted  Livery 
Stable  than  that  of  Mr.  Geo.  S.  Gregory,  No.  14 
Knight  street,  Norwalk. 

This  model  stable  was  erected  by  Mr.  Gregory 
to  accommodate  his  large  trade,  inaugurated 
eight  years  ago,  and  it  is  a  model  of  convenience 
in  its  appointments  and  arrangements.  The 
building  is  three  stories  in  height  and  60x103 
feet  in  dimensions,  and  is  furnished  with  box 
stalls,  steam  heat,  and  every  modern  conven- 
ience for  the  care  of  horses  and  carriages,  with  a 
capacity  for  eighty  head  of  stock  and  as  many 
vehicles.  It  is  divided  into  several  departments 
for  stabling,  harness,  feed  and  wash  rooms,  the 
third  floor  being  used  as  a  carriage  repository, 
with  a  large  elevator  for  raising  and  lowering 
vehicles,  and  system,  order  and  cleanliness  per- 
vades the  establishment  throughout. 

Mr.  Gregory  keeps  a  large  number  of  horses 
and  elegant  carriages,  hacks,  landaus,  etc.,  for 
livery  purposes,  and  furnishes  the  most  stylish 
and  serviceable  turnouts  at  reasonable  prices, 
special  rates  being  made  for  funerals,  weddings, 
etc.,  and  satisfaction  being  fully  guaranteed. 

Horses  are  boarded  by  the  day,  week  or  month 
and  have  the  best  of  care  and  attention  at  satis- 
factory prices,  and  the  fullest  confidence  in  Mr. 
Gregory's  methods  is  always  justified. 

This  establishment  is  the  most  popular  place 
in  this  section  to  purchase,  sell  or  exchange 
horses,  and  the  integrity  and  sterling  worth  of 
this  reliable  business  man  is  a  sure  guarantee  of 
honest  dealing  and  best  value  for  money  ex- 
pended. 

Mr.  Gregory  is  one  of  the  representative  suc- 
cessful business  men  ami  influential  citizens. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  NOR  WALK. 


137 


Comstock  Bros.,  45  Main  Street,  Norwalk,  arid 
Insurance  Building,  South  Norwalk. — The  at- 
tention of  our  readers  is  directed  to  the  well 
and  favorably  known  house  of  Comstock  Bros., 
whose  fine  stores,  of  which  they  have  two,  are 
located  at  No.  45  Main  street,  Norwalk,  and  in 
the  Insurance  Building  at  South  Norwalk. 

This  enterprise  was  established  twenty-one  years 
ago  by  the  Comstock  Brothers,  and  upon  the 
decease  of  Wm.  T.  Comstock,  eight  years  ago, 
Mr.  H.  B.  Rodgers  was  admitted  to  the  firm,  the 
business  continuing  under  the  old  firm  name. 
Its  history  from  the  beginning  is  a  grand  exhi- 
bition of  what  honorable  industry  and  quick  in- 
telligence can  accomplish. 

The  premises  occupied  at  South  Norwalk  are 
24x80,  at  Norwalk,  21x100  feet  in  dimensions, 
and  are  ample  for  the  carrying  of  a  large  and  de- 
sirable assortment  of  fine  clothing,  of  which  they 
are  the  manufacturers,  jobbers  and  retailers,  and 
owing  to  these  facilities  they  guarantee  to  sell 
clothing  cheaper  than  any  other  house  in  Fair- 
field County.  The  clothing  in  which  they  deal 
will  meet  the  demands  of  all  classes  of  trade. 

Employing  only  the  most  skillful  salesmen  and 
tailors,  this  house  turns  out  nothing  but  perfect 
work,  and  will  be  found  to  please  in  material, 
style  and  workmanship. 

The  trade  of  this  house  extends  throughout  a 
large  section,  and  its  proprietors  who  are  natives 
of  Connecticut,  well  deserve  the  confidence  and 
high  esteem  of  their  many  customers,  and  the 
reputation  for  reliability,  honor  and  integrity 
which  is  so  heartily  accorded  them. 


New  York  Tea  Co.,  Wholesale  and  Retail 
Grocers,  and  Dealers  in  Teas,  Coffees  and  Spices. 
30  Main  Street. — As  a  representative  house  of 
the  many  reliable  and  prosperous  mercantile  es- 
tablishments located  in  Norwalk,  the  one  con- 
ducted by  Mr.  M.  Heller  deserves  recognition 
among  the  substantial  and  skillfully  managed  in- 
stitutions of  this  city. 

This  house  which  is  known  to  our  citizens 
under  the  title  of  New  York  Tea  Co.,  was  estab- 
lished in  1884  by  its  present  proprietor,  and  from 
its  inception  has  enjoyed  a  steadily  increasing 
wholesale  and  retail  trade. 

This  very  attractive  store  is  located  at  30  Main 
street  and  is  18x65  feet  in  dimensions,  where  is 
carried  a  fine  large  stock  of  Teas,  Coffees  and 
Spices,  etc. 

The  trade  of  this  house  gives  employment  to 
two  clerks,  and  the  details  of  this  business  are 
efficiently  managed.  Mr.  Heller,  who  is  an  ener- 
getic and  able  business  manager,  deals,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  line  of  goods  already  named,  in  a 
choice  assortment  of  Meats  and  Groceries,  and 
as  he  superintends  the  buying  and  selecting  of 
his  varied  stock,  his  customers  are  assured  that 
nothing  but  the  freshest  Meats  and  best  brands  of 
Groceries  are  offered  at  this  establishment  for 
sale. 

Mr.  Heller,  who  is  a  native  of  Germany,  estab- 
lished his  business  in  this  country  with  a  deter- 
mination to  succeed  by  honorable  and  upright 
business  transactions,  and  if  he  continues  the 
same  business  policy  in  the  f  uKire  that  has  been  so 
noticeable  in  his  dealings  of  the  past  three  years, 
we  predict  for  him  a  prosperous  business  career. 


Star  Shoe  Store.  Ruscoe,  Camp  &  Co., 
Dealers  in  Boots  and  Shoes,  Trunks  and  Travel- 
ing Bags. — Among  the  business  enterprises  of 
recent  establishment  in  Norwalk,  it  is  with 
pleasure  that  we  note  the  one  conducted  by 
Ruscoe,  Camp  &  Co.,  known  as  the  Star  Shoe 
Store.  Although  this  house  is  of  very  recent 
establishment,  having  been  in  existence  only  a 
few  months,  its  reception  and  patronage  by  this 
community  is  exceedingly  flattering  and  encour- 
aging to  the  proprietors,  who  are  energetic  men 
of  long  experience  in  this  line  of  trade. 

The  premises  consist  of  a  store  20x60  feet  in 
dimensions,  where  a  fine  and  complete  stock  of 
Boots  and  Shoes  is  displayed.  The  extensive 
trade  which  this  house  has  already  gained,  gives 
employment  to  two  capable  clerks. 

In  addition  to  the  extensive  stock  of  Boots, 
Shoes  and  Rubbers  carried  by  this  firm,  they 
deal  largely  in  Trunks  and  Traveling  Bags  of  all 
kinds. 

This  house  is  under  the  strict  personal  man- 
agement of  its  proprietors,  and  all  order  work  or 
repairing  is  neatly  and  promptly  done. 

Mr.  F.  II.  Ruscoe,  the  senior  partner,  is  the 
proprietor  of  a  large  Shoe  factory  in  this  city, 
where  employment  is  given  to  one  hundred 
hands,  whose  skill  and  ability,  aided  by  the 
many  improved  and  modern  facilities  of  this 
complete  manufactory  is  displayed  in  the  many 
productions  of  this  establishment  which  rank 
among  the  best  goods  in  the  market. 

Mr.  F.  H.  Ruscoe  and  John  A.  Camp  are  both 
natives  of  Connecticut,  well  and  favorably  known 
in  social  and  business  circles  of  this  city. 


Le  Grand  Jackson,  Dealer  in  Jewelry,  56 
Wall  Street. — A  good  jeweler  is  an  indispensable 
requisite  in  every  community  of  taste  and  cul- 
ture, and  he  whose  work  in  this  line  displays  the 
most  skill  is  always  certain  to  have  the  most  lib- 
eral patronage.  The  people  of  Norwalk  are  not 
behind  other  cities  in  this  respect,  and  the  gen- 
erous patronage  which  they  extend  to  the  store 
of  Mr.  LeGrand  Jackson,  at  No.  56  Wall  street, 
shows  in  what  esteem  he  is  held. 

Mr.  Jackson  established  this  business  thirty 
years  ago,  and  at  the  present  time  has  one  of  the 
leading  houses  of  this  kind  in  the  city.  His  stock 
comprises  all  the  latest  novelties  in  the  line  of 
Jewelry  of  all  descriptions.  Diamonds,  Watches 
from  the  best  makers,  American  and  foreign,  and 
in  fact  everything  calculated  to  please  the  most 
fastidious  buyer. 

The  store  occupied  is  20x70  feet  in  dimensions, 
and  is  admirably  arranged  for  the  ample  display 
of  the  elegant  goods  carried.  Only  experienced 
hands  are  employed  of  which  there  are  several, 
and  a  very  large  and  select  trade  is  transacted. 
As  a  practical  workman  and  repairer  Mr.  Jack- 
son has  no  superior,  and  nothing  leaves  the  es- 
tablishment which  has  not  been  thoroughl}' 
proved  and  tested  by  his  watchful  eye.  We  feel 
at  liberty  to  say  that  all  who  patronize  this  house 
will  readily  perceive  the  advantages  in  so  doing, 
and  will  return  gladly  whenever  in  need  of  any 
goods  in  the  jewelry  line. 

Mr.  Jackson  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  is 
highly  esteemed  by  all. 


138 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  NOR  WALK. 


F.  H.  Ruscoe,  Shoe  Manufacturer,  13  and  15 
Water  Street. — For  several  years  past  Mr.  F.  H. 
Ruscoe  has  conducted  one  of  the  principal  indus- 
tries of  Southwestern  Connecticut,  and  his  estab- 
lishment in  Norwalk  is  one  of  the  most  complete 
and  successful  shoe  factories  in  this  section. 

Mr.  Ruscoe  occupies  a  large  three-story  build- 
ing, Nos.  13  and  15  Water  street,  admirably 
located  and  thoroughly  equipped  for  his  pur- 
poses, with  the  best  improved  shoe  machinery  in 
use,  operated  by  steam. 

He  employs  one  hundred  hands  in  his  business 
and  manufactures  the  best  qualities  and  most  de- 
sirable styles  in  ladies',  misses'  and  children's 
fine  shoes,  and  his  exceptional  facilities  enable 
him  to  put  upon  the  market,  at  low  prices,  a 
large  quantity  of  foot  wear  of  superior  quality, 
and  in  styles,  finish  and  durability  his  goods  are 
unsurpassed  if  equalled  by  any  of  his  competitors 
in  the  State. 

Mr.  Ruscoe  is  an  active,  sagacious  man  of  bus- 
iness, quick  to  note  and  able  to  supply  every  de- 
mand of  the  trade,  and  orders  are  filled  with  dis- 
patch, and  satisfaction  guaranteed  in  every 
particular. 

He  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  is  one  of 
Norwalk's  most  estimable  and  influential  citizens 
and  business  men.  He  is  the  head  of  the  firm  of 
Ruscoe,  Camp  &  Co.,  Shoe  Dealers  of  "Norwalk, 
and  enjoys  the  confidence  of  his  acquaintances  at 
home  and  correspondents  abroad. 


F.  W.  Jaqui,  Jr.,  Dealer  in  Portable  and  Brick 
Set-Furnaces,  Steam  Heaters  and  Ranges,  Tin, 
Sheet  Iron,  Copper,  Wooden,  Glass  and  Crock- 
ery Ware,  Refrigerators  and  House  Furnishing 
Goods,  53  Wall  Street,  Norwalk. — As  acknowl- 
edged leaders  in  his  special  line  of  trade  and  in- 
dustry in  Norwalk,  Mr.  F.  W.  Jaqui,  Jr.,  has 
for  eight  years  occupied  a  prominent  position  in 
trade  circles  in  Norwalk. 

His  office  and  workshops  are  eligibly  located 
at  53  Wall  street,  the  premises  being  25x90  feet 
in  dimensions,  with  every  facility  for  storage  and 
handling  of  merchandise  and  for  executing  all 
kinds  of  work  in  his  line. 

He  carries  in  stock  and  supplies  at  lowest 
prices,  all  desirable  makes  of  Furnaces,  Steam- 
Heaters  and  Ranges  and  a  full  assortment  of  Tin, 
Sheet  Iron,  Copper,  Wooden,  Glass  and  Crock- 
ery Ware,  Refrigerators  and  House  Furnishing 
Goods.  Orders  for  all  kinds  of  Plumbing  and 
Sanitary  Work,  Gas-fitting  and  Jobbing,  and 
Plain  and  Ornamental  Slate,  Tin  and  Tin  shingle 
roofing  are  filled  with  despatch  in  the  most 
efficient  and  satisfactory  manner  at  most  reason- 
able prices,  and  the  ability,  punctuality  and 
worth  have  long  since  established  Mr.  Jaqui  in 
confidence  and  in  a  large,  permanent  aud  grow- 
ing business. 

Mr.  Jaqui  is  agent  for  Richardson  &  Boynton 
Co.'s  celebrated  Furnaces,  Ranges,  etc.,  and  for 
the  famous  "Economy"  Steam  and  Hot  Air 
Combination  Heaters.  He  supplies  and  puts  on 
all  kinds  of  unfading  black,  Munson  &  Brown- 
ville's  Maine,  Keystone  and  Diamond  Rock,  and 
Chapman's,  Bangor  Black  and  Vermont  Varie- 
gated and  Green  Slates,  and  his  facilities  for 
filling  contracts  for  work  and  merchandise  are 
all  that  could  be  desired. 


Mr.  Jaqui  is  man  of  long,  practical  experience 
in  the  business,  and  is  an  expert  in  every  branch 
of  his  business.  He  is  a  reliable,  prompt  and 
energetic  business  man  and  is  held  in  high  es- 
teem as  a  citizen. 


Finney  &  Benedict,  Dealers  in  Choice  Family 
and  Fancy  Groceries,  Wall  Street,  Second  Door 
East  of  the  Post  Office. — Prominent  among  the 
well  known  establishments  devoted  to  the  Gro- 
cery business  in  Norwalk  is  the  house  of  Finney 
&  Benedict,  which  is  located  on  Wall  Street, 
second  door  east  of  the  Post  Office. 

This  firm  was  inaugurated  in  February,  18T5, 
and  during  the  twelve  years  since  its  inception 
has  ever  maintained  a  high  reputation  for  integ- 
rity and  honorable  business  dealings. 

The  premises  utilized  for  the  transaction  of 
the  business  consists  of  a  store  24x60  feet  in 
dimensions,  where  is  handled  one  of  the  most 
complete  stocks  of  Groceries  carried  in  this  city, 
which  embraces  everything  included  in  the  line 
of  Choice  Family  and  Fancy  Groceries.  This 
extensive  stock  includes  the  best  brands  of  Flour 
Teas,  Coffees,  Spices,  Sugar,  etc.,  and  in  fact 
all  the  condiments  and  delicacies  usually  em- 
braced in  the  line  of  staple  and  fancy  Groceries 
carried  by  a  first-class  house  of  this  kind. 

The  lucrative  retail  trade  of  this  house  gives 
employment  to  two  reliable  clerks,  and  prompt 
attention  is  given  to  all  orders,  which  are 
accurately  filled  and  delivered  to  all  parts  of  the 
city. 

The  proprietors  are  both  active  business  men, 
who  give  close  personal  attention  to  all  branches 
of  their  establishment,  especially  to  the  purchas- 
ing and  selection  of  their  goods,  which  are 
guaranteed  to  be  of  the  best  the  market  af- 
fords. 

Mr.  W.  J.  Finney,  Jr.,  and  Geo.  M.  Benedict 
are  both  natives  of  Connecticut,  and  highly  es- 
teemed citizens  of  Norwalk. 


C.  A.  Blackman,  Photographic  Artist,  No.  11 
Main  Street,  Norwalk. — The  fidelity  with 
which  portraits  are  drawn  by  that  great  artist 
"  Sol"  when  he  is  under  proper  control  of  the 
photographer  is  truly  wonderful.  By  continued  ex- 
periments and  close  and  patient  observations,  suc- 
cess has  been  justly  earned  bj'  those  who  have  given 
the  art  their  time  and  thought  and  have  patient- 
ly waited  with  implicit  faith,  the  consummation  of 
their  hopes.  Mr.  C.  A.  Blackman,  at  No.  11  Main 
street,  may  be  called  the  progressive  photograph- 
er of  Norwalk.  He  succeeded  to  the  business  in 
June,  18S4,  it,  having  been  originated  by  W.  B. 
Glines,  in  1878.  Mr.  Blackman's  energy  and 
skill  has  given  him  a  fine  standing  in  the  pro- 
fession aud  a  class  of  patrons  that  has  increased  un- 
til he  has  a  business  extending  throughout  a 
large  section.  His  studio  is  supplied  with  all 
the  most  perfect  appliances  known  to  the  art, 
and  is  finely  arranged  for  the  comfort  of  his 
numerous  patrons.  He  employs  able  assistants 
and  great  care  and  patience  is  used  with  all.  All 
kinds  of  fine  Portrait  work  is  executed  at  reason- 
able prices.  Mr.  Blackman  is  a  native  of  New 
Haven  having  had  seven  years'  experience  in  the 
art  in  that  city  prior  to  his  coming  to  Norwalk. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  NOR  WALK. 


139 


Central  National  Bank  of  Norwalk. — Dur- 
ing the  past  decade  the  Central  National  Bank  of 
Norwalk  has  exerted  a  most  beneficent  influence 
on  the  commercial  growth  and  prosperity  of  the 
town,  and  under  able  management  it  has  become 
one  of  the  most  popular  financial  institutions  in 
southwestern  Connecticut. 

The  Bank  was  organized  under  the  National 
Banking  Laws  in  1876,  and  from  the  beginning 
its  affairs  have  been  conducted  with  consummate 
ability  and  consequent  success. 

The  capital  of  the  Bank  is  $100,000,  and  its 
large  surplus  gives  a  substantial  reason  for  the 
confidence  of  its  clients  and  the  general  public, 
and  its  future  gives  promise  of  extended  useful- 
ness and  increased  success. 

The  banking  rooms  are  very  attractive  and 
complete,  and  are  centrally  located  at  No.  26 
Wall  street.  The  judicious  and  prudent  policy 
of  the  management  is  fruitful  of  most  gratifying 
results. 

The  officers  of  the  Bank  are  as  follows:  Presi- 
dent, A.  S.  Hurlbutt;  Vice-President,  Geo.  M. 
Holmes;  Cashier,  Wm.  A.  Curtis,  and  the  Presi- 
dent and  Cashier,  with  Messrs.  Geo.  Holmes,  H. 
F.  Guthrie,  G.  S.  Hutchinson,  E.  L.  Boyer, 
Chas.  Smith,  P.  L.  Cunningham  and  J.  T.  Pro- 
witt,  constitute  the  Board  of  Directors.  They 
are  all  prominent,  influential  business,  men  and 
estimable  citizens. 


Norwalk  Fire  Insurance  Company. — This 
company  has  been  constantly  in  business  for 
about  thirty  years,  having  issued  its  first  policy  in 
May,  1860,  and  has  in  the  meantime  issued  over 
32,500  policies  (mainly  to  citizens  of  this  State), 
and  has  paid  every  loss  occurring  under  them, 
with  as  much  promptness  as  any  company  what- 
ever. 

It  has  ever  been  and  yet  is  managed  by  the 
same  president  and  secretary  with  which  it 
started.  It  has  been  the  rule  and  practice  to  be 
careful  about  the  kind  of  risk  taken,  to  look  well 
into  the  hazard  involved  in  any  risk,  both  in 
itself  and  its  ownership  before  insuring  it,  and 
then  to  be  liberal  in  adjusting,  and  prompt  in 
paying  losses.  How  well  they  have  succeeded 
may  be  judged  from  the  fact  that  they  refer  in- 
quirers to  the  numerous  policy  holders  of  the  com- 
pany. 

Wm.  C.  Street  is  the  president,  Geo.  R.  Cowles 
the  secretary,  Geo.  B.  St.  John,  treasurer. 

It  leads  all  Insurance  Companies,  American 
and  foreign,  in  this  ;  that  it  has  a  larger  amount 
of  cash  assets  in  proportion  to  the  amount  at 
risk,  than  any  other  company;  it  has  $1  in  cash 
to  every  $13  at  risk,  and  it  has  outstanding  against 
it  but  one  claim  for  losses,  and  that  is  in  process 
of  settlement  and  cannot  exceed  $500,  and  is 
probably  less  than  $400. 

Its  rates  are  as  low  as  those  of  any  sound  com- 
pany and  its  policy  holders  as  well  protected, 
and  it  invites  the  general  public  to  ask  its  policy 
holders  about  its  liberality  and  promptness  in  the 
case  of  losses,  and  if  the  replies  are  satisfactory 
to  come  in  and  take  policies  themselves. 

Marsh,  Merwin  &  Lemmon,  agents  at  Bridge- 
port; S.  Jones,  agent  at  Danbury;  E.  White, 
agent  at  Stamford;  Wilson,  McNeil&Co.,  agents 
at  New  Haven;  J.  H.  Williams  &  Son,  agents  at 


Norwich;  C.  N.  Andrew,  agent  at  Willimantic; 
F.  F.  Street,  agent  at  Hartford;  E.  N.  Hubbard, 
agent  at  Middletown. 

Hutchinson,  Cole  &  Co.,  Star  Shirt  Factory. 
— An  eminently  reliable  and  old  established 
house,  devoted  to  the  manufacture  of  Shirt 
Waists,  etc.,  is  that  of  Hutchinson,  Cole  &  Co., 
who  occupy  factories  a*t  both  Norwalk  and 
Bridgeport,  and  whose  salesrooms  are  at  Nos. 
746-750  Broadway,  New  York,  under  the  man- 
agement of  Messrs.  Hutchinson,  Pierce  &  Co. 

The  factory  at  Norwalk  was  built  in  1853, 
since  which  time  numerous  additions  have  been 
made  upon  the  buildings  until  the  present, 
and  now  they  have  a  capacity  of  manufacturing 
150  dozen  garments  per  day,  the  demand  how- 
ever was  so  great  that  even  that  would  not  sup- 
ply the  increasing  trade  of  the  house,  they  there- 
fore purchased,  a  few  months  ago,  the  large 
factories  at  Bridgeport  formerly  owned  by  the 
Burlock  Co.,  which,  after  extensive  improve 
ments,  is  now  being  run  in  connection  with  the 
Norwalk  factory.  The  celebrated  goods  of  this 
house  may  be  found  for  sale  by  all  the  leading 
stores  throughout  the  United  States,  these  waists 
are  all  perfect  fitting  and  made  in  the  best  possi- 
ble manner,  by  experienced  hands.  A  large 
force  of  which  are  employed. 

Everything  entering  into  the  construction  of 
the  Star  Shirts  and  Shirt  Waists  is  of  the  best 
material.  The  reputation  of  these  celebrated 
"Star"  goods  has  been  fairly  earned,  and  care  is 
taken  to  maintain  the  high  standard  of  excellence 
for  which  the  goods  bearing  this  brand  have  been 
noted  throughout  the  United  States.  For  fit, 
finish,  durability  and  choice  patterns  of  material 
us*-d  these  goods  are  unsurpassed. 

Frank  T.  Hyatt,  Dentist,  8  West  Avenue.— 
The  dental  operators  of  to-day  have  at  their  com- 
mand so  many  improved  and  modern  facilities 
for  the  conduct  of  the  profession,  that  their 
patients  are  not  only  relieved  of  a  great  deal  of 
suffering,  but  they  themselves  are  saved  long  and 
tedious  hours  of  labor,  and  all  true  artists  in  the 
dental  line  are  willing  to  avail  themselves  of  any 
reliable  appliances  that  will  relieve  the  suffering 
or  add  to  the  comfort  of  their  patients,  and  it  is 
with  pleasure  that  we  call  the  attentic  n  of  our 
readers  to  the  establishment  of  Dr.  Fraak  T. 
Hyatt,  which  is  located  at  8  West  avenue,  Nor- 
walk, and  consists  of  an  elegant  suite  of  rooms, 
embracing  reception  and  operating  rooms  and 
laboratory,  which  are  handsomely  fitted  up  and 
arranged  for  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  his 
many  patrons,  while  his  laboratory  and  operat- 
ing room  are  supplied  with  the  best  and  most 
modern  facilities  for  the  conduct  of  his  business 
that  are  known  to  the  dental  faculty. 

Dr.  Hyatt  is  a  practical  Dentist  of  twenty-eight 
years'  experience,  having  practiced  in  South 
America  previous  to  locating  here.  The  public 
are  assured  of  perfect  satisfaction  of  all  work  en- 
trusted to  this  establishment,  as  regards  fit  and 
natural  appearance  of  artificial  teeth  and  prices 
for  all  kinds  of  dental  operations. 

Dr.  Frank  T.  Hyatt  is  a  native  of  Norwalk,  an 
experienced  Dentist,  and  a  genial  and  cultivated 
gentleman  and  an  extensive  traveler. 


140 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  NOR  WALK. 


J.  F.  Peckwell,  Harness  Manufacturer,  7 
Water  Street. — In  writing  a  commercial  history 
of  Norwalk  and  her  present  enterprises,  we  find 
some  firms  that  have  stood  for  a  number  of 
years,  and  who,  by  superior  workmanship,  have 
steadily  gained  patronage  and  rank  among  the 
solid  and  well  tried  houses  of  Norwalk.  One 
of  these  is  the  hirness  and  saddle  establishment 
of  Mr.  J.  F.  Peckwell,  and  we  are  glad  to  call 
the  attention  of  our  readers  to  this  honorable  and 
reliable  house. 

Mr.  Peckwell  has  in  stock  all  kinds  of  the  very 
best  harness.  He  employs  several  skilled  work- 
men and  occupies  a  neat  and  attractive  store 
with  shop  in  rear,  located  at  No.  7  Water  street, 
where  a*  all  times  can  be  found  a  complete 
stock  of  custom  made  Harness  and  Saddlery 
Goods,  including  Horse  Clothing  and  so  forth, 
which  are  sold  at  very  liberal  prices. 

Mr.  Peckwell  is  a  practical  man,  and  estab- 
lished his  business  here  nine  years  ago.  He  has 
a  large  custom  trade  among  the  best  class  of  pa- 
trons  in  the  city.  He  is  prompt  in  filling  orders, 
with  the  best  custom-made  goods,  which  he 
guarantees  as  represented. 

Mr.  Peckwell  is  a  native  of  Fairfield  County, 
and  is  well  and  favorably  known.  In  conclusion 
we  may  say  that  the  house  has  established  an 
enviable  reputation  for  the  high  character  of  its 
output,  and  having  become  so  well  known  it  is 
unnecessary  for  us  to  add  any  commendation  in 
regard  to  it. 


The    Hoyt    &    Olmstead     Cigar    Company, 

Incorporated,  January,  1885. — There  is  no  article 
(if  we  except  alcohol),  over  the  use  of  which 
there  has  been  more  argument,  entreaty,  expos 
tulation  and,  we  may  safely  add,  exasperation, 
than  there  has  in  the  case  of  tobacco.  Queens 
have  praised  it  (it  has  even  been  called  "  Herbe 
de  la  Reine,"  or,  the  Queen's  herb);  kings  have 
denounced  it  and  forbidden  its  use  under  severe 
penalties;  doctors  have  solemnly  decided  it  to  be 
a  pauacea  for  almost  all  diseases,  and  as  solemn- 
ly thundered  forth  words  of  warning  against  the 
"pernicious  weed."  And  what  is  the  result V 
Those  who  like  it  use  it,  and  those  who  don't, 
leave  it  alone. 

There  are  almost  as  many  opinions  as  there 
are  smokers  in  regard  to  what  constitutes  the 
proper  flavor  of  a  cigar,  but  those  who  insist 
upon  a  superior  article  find  that  the  goods  made 
by  the  Hoyt  &  Olmstead  Cigar  Company  fill  the 
bill  every  time. 

Business  was  begun  under  the  name  of  Hoyt 
&  Olmstead  in  1877,  and  the  present  company 
was  incorporated  in  January,  1885. 

Mr.  Geo.  M.  Olmstead  is  the  President,  and 
Mr.  Theron  G.  Hoyt,  the  Secretary  and  Treas- 
urer of  the  company,  whose  factory  comprises 
three  floors,  95x40  feet  in  dimensions.  From 
sixty  to  seventy  hands  are  employed,  and  some 
15,000  cigars  a  day  can  be  made,  all  by  hand 
work  exclusively,  as  only  fine  goods  are  manu- 
factured. 

Mr.  Olmstead  is  well  known  in  his  position  as 
County  Commissioner,  and  both  he  and  Mr. 
Hoyt  rank  with  our  most  popular  business 
men. 


E.  Gusowski,  Merchant  Tailor,  Gents'  Fur- 
nishing Goods,  etc.,  31  Wall  Street,  Corner  Wa- 
ter.—It  affords  us  great  pleasure  to  bring  to  the 
notice  of  our  many  readers  the  well-known  and 
old  established  bouse  of  Mr.  E.  Gusowski,  lo- 
cated at  No.  31  Wall  street,  corner  of  Water 
street. 

This  enterprising  gentleman  established  this 
business  twenty-five  years  ago,  and  the  residents 
of  this  city  canuot  but  have  observed  with  pride 
the  marked  increase  of  trade  and  prosperity  dur- 
ing these  years. 

The  premises  occupied  are  triangular  in  shape, 
and  are  20x40  feet  in  area.  This  trade  is  an 
industry  upon  which  the  influence  of  fashion  has 
a  special  bearing,  and  the  establishment  of  this 
house,  together  with  the  long  experience  and 
intimite  knowledge  of  the  demands  of  the  trade 
possessed  by  the  proprietor,  are  sufficient  guar- 
antees that  his  stock  contains  nothing  bin  the 
freshest  and  newest  patterns  aud  most  desirable 
goods. 

Mr.  Gusowski  also  carries  a  fine  assortment  of 
Gentlemen's  Furnishing  Goods,  etc.,  which  he 
offers  at  the  most  reasonable  prices. 

Employment  is  given  to  several  experienced 
assistants,  and  a  very  large  custom  and  retail 
trade  is  done,  extending  throughout  the  city  and 
its  suburbs'. 


C.  S.  Trowbridge,  Manufacturer  of  Paper 
Boxes,  etc. — The  manufacture  of  Paper  Boxes 
in  Norwalk  is  an  important  industry  and  has 
brought  men  of  enterprise  and  capital  to  enter 
upon  the  business.  Mr.  C.  S.  Trowbridge  is  the 
only  manufacturer  of  Paper  Boxes  in  the  city. 
Pie  is  enabled  with  his  modern  improved  ma- 
chinery to  put  up  all  kinds,  styles  and  sizes  of 
Boxes  for  h.ats,  hardware,  shirts,  boots,  shoes 
and  shelf  purposes,  at  as  low  prices  and  of  as 
good  quality  as  any  in  the  State.  The  factory 
occupies  two  floors,  3^x140  feet  in  dimensions, 
in  which  they  require  a  gas  engine  to  propel  their 
machines. 

They  employ  the  services  of  a  large  force  of 
skilled  hands,  all  being  under  the  direct  man- 
agement of  the  proprietor,  and  all  goods  are  war- 
ranted just  as  represented.  The  facilities  of  the 
house  for  promptly  filling  orders,  however  large, 
are  unsurpassed :  and  those  purchasing  goods  in 
this  line  may  feel  confident  of  receiving  such 
treatment  as  is  in  accord  with  its  honorable  ca- 
reer. 

This  business  was  established  about  six  years 
ago  by  Mr.  Trowbridge  and  has  been  of  steady 
growth. 

Mr.  Trowbridge  is  a  native  of  Brooklyn  and  is 
highly  spoken  of  throughout  Norwalk. 

The  business  is  entirely  of  a  wholesale  charac- 
ter and  is  very  extensive.  We  commend  this 
house  to  the  attention  of  our  readers  as  one  with 
whom  they  will  find  it  a  pleasure  to  deal. 


Morris  Cohen,  Clothing  and  Genls'  Furnishing 
Goods,  41  Main  Street  — This  popular  clothing 
establishment  was  founded  by  R.  L.  Tilton, 
about  twelve  years  ago,  and  under  the  name  of 
the  New  York  Clothing  House  was  successfully 
conducted  until  April  1,  1887,  when  the  present 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  NOR  WALK. 


141 


proprietor  succeeded  to  the  large  trade  developed 
by  his  predecessors.  The  premises  comprise  two 
tloors  of  the  building  No.  41  Main  street,  and  are 
throughout  attractively  arranged  and  appointed. 
The  stock  comprises  full  lines  of  fine  fashionable 
clothing,  and  everything  desirable  in  gents  fur- 
nishing goods,  besides  a  fine  assortment  of  wool- 
ens and  other  fabrics  for  gents'  garments,  of 
foreign  and  domestic  manufacture,  and  every- 
thing required  to  complete  a  gentleman's  ward- 
robe is  supplied  directly  from  the  stock  in  trade 
or  made  to  order  in  the  most  artistic  style,  and 
warranted  satisfactory  as  to  fit,  workmanship 
and  wearing  qualities. 

Mr.  Coheu  employs  a  force  of  skilled  cutters 
and  tailors  and  has  every  facility  for  meeting 
every  requirement  of  the  most  fashionable  as 
well  as  those  more  conservative  in  matters  of 
dress,  at  low  prices. 

Mr.  E.  R.  Sherwood,  who  assists  Mr.  Cohen  in 
his  business  has  his  office  in  the  store,  and  is 
agent  for  the  well-known  and  popular  National 
Steam  Laundry,  of  Maiden,  Mass.,  and  work 
placed  in  his  hands  is  laundried  with  dispatch 
and  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner. 


P.  H.  Bwyer,   Harness  Manufacturer,    FiDe 
Harness  to  Order  a  h-'prcialty.     Under  Arlington 


Hotel,  Wall  Street,  Norwalk. — Among  the  many 
manufacturing  industries  of  Norwalk,  we  must 
not  overlook  the  establishment  whose  name 
heads  this  sketch,  as  it  holds  a  prominent  position 
in  our  community.  This  establishment  was  started 
fifty  years  ago  by  Mr.  S.  Bradley.  The  present 
proprietor,  Mr.  P.  H.  Dwyer  assumed  control  in 
1872.  The  premises  occupied  for  this  business 
are  located  on  Wall  street,  under  Arlington 
Hotel  and  cover  an  area  of  24x40  feet.  Here  are 
displayed  some  of  the  finest  harnesses  to  be  seen 
in  the  city. 

This  complete  and  extensive  stock  embraces 
all  kinds  of  fine  Saddlery,  Whips,  Blankets, 
Brushes,  Curry  Combs,  etc.  The  extensive  re- 
tail trade  of  this  house  gives  employment  to 
three  capable  clerks,  who  thoroughly  understand 
the  business  in  all  its  branches.  In  connection 
with  the  above  named  goods,  Mr.  Dwyer  makes  a 
specialty  of  manufacturing  fine  Harnesses  to 
order,  and  perfect  satisfaction  is  guaranteed  as 
regards  material  used,  fit  and  style  of  finish.  All 
kinds  of  repairing  neatly  and  promptly  done. 
We  commend  this  house  to  our  many  readers 
with  the  full  assurance  that  they  will  receive 
not  only  fair  ard  liberal  treatment,  but  will  find 
in  addition  to  the  facilities  of  the  house,  already 
mentioned,  manifest  advantages  in  terms  and 
prices. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH  OF  SO.  NORWALK. 


The  City  of  South  Nor  walk  is  situated  on  a  lovely  bay  opening  into  the  Sound, 
into  the  head  of  which  flows  the  Norwalk  River.  The  population  at  the  present  time 
is  in  the  neighborhood  of  six  thousand.  As  a  business  center  it  has  grown  very 
rapidly  during  the  last  few  years  and  is  now  one  of  the  most  active  cities  in  this 
part  of  the  State.  Among  the  various  causes  to  which  this  prosperity  may  be 
assigned,  probably  none  have  more  obtained  than  the  advantages  of  its  natural  situa- 
tion seconded  by  the  enterprise  of  its  citizens. 

The  accommodations  for  passengers  and  freight,  both  by  land  and  water,  are 
first-class.  In  the  neighborhood  of  forty  passenger  trains  daily  connect  South  Nor- 
walk with  New  York,  Boston  and  the  other  prominent  cities  of  New  England.  A 
large  and  commodious  steamboat  daily  conveys  passengers  to  and  from  New  York, 
and  freight  steamers  furnish  facilities  hardly  to  be  excelled.  The  New  York,  New 
Haven  &  Hartford  also  provides  the  best  of  arrangements  for  the  large  amount 
of  freight  shipping  done  at  South  Norwalk,  which  in  amount  few  cities  on  their  route 
surpass. 

The  water  system  of  South  Norwalk  has  attracted  much  attention  all  over  the 
country,  and  in  efficiency  and  quality  of  supply,  together  with  economy  of  storage 
and  distribution,- it  would  be  difficult  to  find  its  superior. 

One  of  the  articles  of  production  which  the  city  supplies  in  large  quantities  and 
of  the  best  quality,  is  its  excellent  brand  of  oyster,  celebrated  in  New  York  and 
other  large  cities  for  their  unusual  size  and  delicate  flavor.  The  manufacture  of 
hats  is,  perhaps,  the  line  for  which  South  Norwalk  is  most  widely  known,  few  cities 
in  the  State  or  country  producing  them  in  larger  quantities,  or  in  greater  perfection 
of  style  and  material.  This  industry,  after  a  period  of  depression  and  retrogression, 
seems  once  more  to  be  advancing  at  a  pace  commensurate  with  its  importance. 

The  manufacture  of  locks,  steam-engines,  machinery,  general  iron  goods,  straw 
goods,  corsets,  paper  boxes,  shoes,  cigars,  hatters'  tools  and  ship-building  are  carried 
on  here  successfully.  There  seems  to  be  no  reason  why  the  various  influences  which 
in  the  recent  past,  have  so  rapidly  developed  the  business  and  manufacturing  inter- 
ests of  South  Norwalk  should  not  continue  to  operate  in  greater  magnitude  with  the 
years.  That  the  foundations  of  a  large  and  prosperous  city  have  already  been  laid, 
there  can  be  no  doubt,  and  it  only  remains  to  allow  the  beneficent  influences  of  the 
past  free  scope  to  witness  yet  greater  progress. 


SOUTH  NORWALK,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  143 

Every  department  of  the  city  life  corresponds  with  the  high  state  of  its  business 
activity.  It  would  hardly  be  necessary  to  say  that  its  public  school  system  is  of  the 
best  New  England  affords.  The  five  important  denominations,  Congregational, 
Episcopal,  Baptist,  Methodist,  Catholic,  are  represented  by  church  edifices.  The 
standard  of  morality  is  very  high  and  maintained  with  unyielding  integrity.  The 
city  government  is  both  representative  and  worthy  of  the  city  itself.  The  supply 
of  the  necessities  of  city  life  and  of  its  pleasures,  is  of  the  most  universal  and  best 
character. 

The  beauties  of  the  seashore  have  attracted  many  permanent  and  summer  resi- 
dents to  South  Norwalk  of  late  years,  which  has  been  beneficial  to  the  city  as  well 
as  most  satisfactory  to  the  former.  There  are  three  large  and  thoroughly  appointed 
hotels,  which  furnish  the  most  desirable  accommodations,  transient  or  for  the  season. 
The  Opera  House  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  the  State,  with  a  seating  capacity 
of  one  thousand  and  seventy-five  persons. 

It  is  a  fact  of  considerable  import  that  almost  the  entire  growth  of  South  Nor- 
walk  has  taken  place  within  the  century.  Not  much  further  back  than  1880,  it  was 
little  more  than  a  stopping  place  for  West  Indians'  trade-ships  to  obtain  water  sup- 
plies at  a  large  well  not  far  from  the  shore,  renowned  far  and  wide  for  its  excellent 
water.  From  this  well  the  place  was  called  for  many  years  "  Old  Well."  Around 
this  old  well  has  grown  up  in  a  time  and  manner  which  remind  one  of  a  western 
town,  though  with  more  stability  and  strength,  a  city  of  which  all  its  citizens  may 
be  well  proud.  The  logical  sequence  of  the  past  and  present  demonstrates  greater 
prosperity  in  the  future,  and  not  only  to  the  fortunate  inhabitants  themselves,  but 
to  all  who  choose  to  share  them,  as  well,  will  South  Norwalk  by  her  attractions  and 
elevated  employments,  continue  to  render  life  more  enjoyable  and  worth  the 
living. 

One  thing  which  has  induced  manufacturers  and  business  men  to  settle  here  is  the 
proximity  of  the  city  to  New  York.  Through  its  excellent  railroad  accommodations 
it  is  brought  into  close  connection  with  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  this  fact 
has  been  thoroughly  appreciated  by  its  merchants  and  manufacturers.  The  openings 
for  business  in  the  city  are  unusually  advantageous,  and  the  comfortable  and  beauti- 
ful homes  which  the  mechanics  can  occupy  here  are  no  small  reasons  for  the  gradual 
extension  of  the  commercial  industries  of  South  Norwalk.  Real  estate  is  obtainable 
at  the  most  moderate  charges,  and  nowhere  can  capital  be  invested  with  greater  con- 
fidence than  in  this  city. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH 


I 


The  Norwalk  Iran  Works  Co.,  Builders  of 
Air  Compressors. — The  Norwalk  Iron  Works 
Company  is  one  of  South  Norwalk's  leading  in- 
dustries, and  for  years  the  enterprise  has  been 
one  of  the  potent  factors  in  the  large  aggregate  of 
the  city's  trade. 

These  extensive  works  are  eligibly  located 
with  reference  to  receipt  and  shipment  of  mer- 
chandise, on  the  line  of  the  N.  Y.,  N.  H.  &  H. 
R.  R.,  and  in  close  proximity  to  the  wharves  of 
the  city,  giving  abundant  facilities,  both  for  cheap 
and  rapid  transportation. 

The  main  building  is  a  large  three  story  brick 
structure,  80x200  feet  in  dimensions,  and  is 
throughout  equipped  with  the  best  improved  iron 
working  machinery,  and  operated  by  steam. 
The  company's  important  specialty  is  the  build- 
ing of  Air  Compressors  of  their  own  designs, 
which  are  esteemed  the  best  in  use  among  a  large 
proportion  of  the  manufacturers  of  this  section, 
and  the  trade  of  the  corporation  has  attained 
most  important  proportions,  and  under  able 
management  is  steadily  increasing  and  ex- 
tending. 

A  force  of  one  hundred  skilled  workmen  find 
constant  employment  in  the  company's  service, 
and  the  facilities  of  the  house  for  executing  orders 
for  special  work  at  low  prices  are  all  that  could 
be  desired. 

Mr.  E.  Hill  is  the  general  manager  and  treasu- 
rer of  the  company,  and  is  one  of  Connecticut's 
most  energetic  business  men,  and  whose  honora- 
ble methods  and  business  capacity  has  challenged 
universal  confidence  and  commendation.  Mr. 
Hill  is  also  president  of  the  National  Bank  of 
Norwalk,  an  institution  built  on  a  solid  founda- 
tion, well  known  throughout  the  United  States. 


Hubbell  &  Barthol,  Manufacturers  of  Fur 
Hat  Bodies. — Those  wTho  believe  that  the  prizes 
are  all  won ;  those  who  are  possessed  of  the  idea 
that  unless  a  man  is  born  heir  to  a  large  fortune 
or  is  put  in  a  way  to  be  the  successor  of  a  great 
business  he  may  as  well  abandon  all  hope  of  ever 
amounting  to  anything  and  content  himself  as 
best  he  can  in  a  subordinate  and  obscure  position, 
should  study  the  history  of  the  house  of  Hubbell 
&  Barthol,  the  great  hat  manufacturers,  and  learn 
wrhat  energy,  enterprise,  ability  and  grit  can  do 
from  a  comparatively  small  beginning. 

This  business  was  inaugurated  but  six  years 
ago,  and,  as  has  been  hinted,  was  conducted  on  a 
small  and  contracted  scale  at  first.  But  grad- 
ually as  the  time  went  on,  as  the  superior  merits 
of  the  firm's  manufacture  became  more  plainly 
manifest  and  more  generally  known ;  in  short,  as 
brains  and  integrity  began  to  tell,  the  orders 
came  in  more  and  more  rapidly  until  now  the 
services  of  fifty  men,  and  the  occupancy  of  three 
floors  and  a  basement,  each  40x60  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, supplied  with  a  seventy-five  horse-power 
boiler  and  three  steam  engines  are  necessary  to 
properly  handle  the  still  rapidly  growing  trade 
of  the  house. 

The  efforts  of  the  firm  are  confined  exclusively 
to  turning  out  Hats  in  the  rough,  ready  to  finish 
and  trim,  and  a  very  fine  grade  of  Hat  body  they 
produce  too.  The  firm  consists  of  Messrs.  Win. 
B.  Hubbell,  a  native  of  Orange,  N.  J.,  and  Otto 
Barthol  who  was  born  in  Germany.  Mr.  Hub- 
bell certainly  needs  no  extended  introduction  to 
our  readers,  as  he  is  the  present  very  popular 
Mayor  of  South  Norwalk.  He  is  a  gentleman  oi' 
great  executive  ability  and  is  winning  new  hon> 
ors  in  his  high  official  position. 


LBADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH  NOB  WALK. 


14o 


Crofut  &  Knapp,  Manufacturers  of  Fur  Hats, 
125  Greene  Street,  New  York.  Factories: 
South  Norwalk,  Connecticut,  corner  Main  and 
Union  Streets  and  corner  Water  and  Tolles 
Streets. — With  two  extensive  factories  located  at 
corner  of  Main  and  Union  streets,  and  at  corner 
of  Water  and  Tolles  streets,  this  well  known 
firm  are  conducting  a  business  of  immense  pro- 
portions as  manufacturers  of  Fur  Hats,  and  the 
concern  is  the  oldest  aud  leading  industry  of  the 
kind  in  South  Norwalk. 

This  business  was  inaugurated  in  1858  and  has 
been  conducted  without  change  in  the  name  or 
personnel  of  the  firm  for  nearly  thirty  years, 
with  unvarying  success. 

The  firm  occupy  two  large  buildings,  three 
stories  in  height,  the  one  on  Main  street  being 
50x60  feet  in  dimensions,  and  that  on  Water 
street  having  an  area  of  40x200  feet,  and  both  are 
thoroughly  equipped  with  valuable  machinery, 
operated  by  steam  engines  of  enormous  power. 

Such  is  the  extent  of  the  operations  of  Messrs, 
Crofut  &  Knapp,  as  to  necessitate  the  employ- 
ment of  over  300  operatives,  and  the  aggregate 
of  the  hats  placed  upon  the  market  by  the  firm 
annually,  is  very  large. 

The  firm  manufacture  the  best  qualities  and 
most  stylish  aud  serviceable  Fur  Hats,  stiff  and 
flexible,  in  the  market,  and  have  facilities  for 
supplying  the  most  desirable  goods,  perfect  in 
workmanship  and  finish  at  low  prices,  and  the 
punctuality  in  filling  orders,  liberal  policy  and 
honorable  methods  have  long  since  established 
the  house  in  the  confidence  of  the  trade  through- 
out the  United  States. 

The  salesrooms  and  principal  offices  of  the  firm 
are  at  No.  125  Greene  street.  The  large  output 
of  the  factories  is  consigned  to  all  parts  of  this 
and  many  foreign  countries,  and  the  volume  of 
the  trade  of  Messrs.  Crofut  &  Knapp,  home  and 
export,  rank  them  as  successful  leaders  in  this 
field  of  industry  in  the  United  States. 

Messrs.  A.  J.  and  Jas.  K.  Crofut,  Jas.  H. 
and  B.  N.  Knapp  comprise  this  representative, 
responsible  firm.  They  are  Connecticut  men  by 
birtli  and  at  home  and  abroad  are  esteemed  for 
their  personal  and  business  worth. 

Dennis  &  Blanchard,  Finishers  and  Trimmers 
of  Straw  Hats  and  Manufacturers  of  Braid  Hats. 
— Instances  of  the  ingenuity  shown  by  man  in  turn- 
ing natural  products  to  his  own  uses  are  too  fre- 
quent to  excite  remark,  but  certainly  he  who  first 
thought  of  using  straw  as  a  head-covering  show- 
ed a  power  of  application  of  means  to  ends  wor 
thy  of  the  highest  intellect.  Think  how  admira- 
bly straw  is  suited  to  the  purpose  of  a  head-cov- 
ering. Light,  a  non-conductor  of  heat,  capable 
of  bearing  prolonged  exposure  to  the  elements, 
perfectly  water-proof  (when  properly  braided),  it 
combines  in  a  marked  degree  a  multitude  of  good 
qualities. 

That  these  are  appreciated  is  shown  by  the 
enormous  demand  for  Straw  Hats  in  this  country 
alone,  a  demand  of  the  size  of  which  some  faint 
idea  may  be  formed  when  we  state  that  a  single 
factory  here,  that  of  Dennis  &  Blanchard,  has  a 
capacity  for  turning  out  150,000  dozen  per  sea- 
son. This  well  known  house  hagbeen  conducted 
under  its  present  name  since  1881,  business  prior 
to  that  date  having  been  carried  on  by  Mr.  Dex- 


ter Dennis,  father  of  the  present  member  of  the 
firm. 

The  firm  now  consists  of  Messrs.  L.  E.  Dennis 
and  A.  Blanchard  the  former  gentleman  being  a 
native  of  Birre,  Massachusetts,  while  the  latter 
was  born  in  Petersham,  same  State. 

From  thirty  to  fifty  hands  are  employed  in  the 
shop,  which  is  60x300  feet  in  dimensions.  The 
finishing  and  trimmiug  of  Palm  Leaf,  Leghorn, 
Mataga,  India,  Panama,  Canton,  and  other  for- 
eign hats,  and  the  manufacture  of  Jiraid  hats  are 
extensively  carried  on,  an  exclusively  wholesale 
business  being  done. 

W.  A.  Wheeler,  Manufacturer  of  Hatters' 
Tools,  Heaters,  etc. — Commanding  the  univer- 
sal confidence  among  the  manufacturers  of  this 
city  and  section  Mr.  W.  A.  Wheeler  has  for  four 
years  past  successfully  conducted  one  of  the  im- 
portant industries  of  South  Norwalk.  He  occu- 
pies two  extensive  buildings  30x60  and  30x80 
feet  in  dimensions  respectively,  fitted  up  in  the 
most  complete  manner  for  forging  and  iron 
work  generally,  and  the  valuable  machinery  is 
driven  by  a  steam  engine  of  25  horse- power. 

A  force  of  twelve  skilled  workmen  are  em- 
ployed in  the  establishment  in  the  manufacturing 
of  Hatter's  Tools,  Heaters,  etc.,  and  the  out-put 
the  establishment  both  in  design  and  general 
excellence  is  unsurpassed.  He  manufactures  the 
Extension  Box  and  Rod  for  Water,  Steam  and 
Gas,  and  supplies  these  desirable  appliances  at 
lowest  margins  above  cost  of  production.  All 
special  work  is  made  to  order  in  the  most  ac- 
curate manner,  and  in  prices  as  in  workmanship, 
this  reliable  iron  master  successfully  competes 
with  any  manufacturer  in  this  section. 

Mosher  &  Curran,  Manufacturers  of  Hat 
Blocks  and  Flanges,  Hatters'  Tools,  etc.,  Water 
Street. — Nothing  is  more  interesting  for  those 
who  have  a  fondness  for  looking  into  such  sub- 
jects than  to  see  how  surely  one  industry  gives 
birth  to  another,  and  that,  perhaps,  to  still  an- 
other, and  so  on  until  finally  from  the  establish- 
ment of  one  great  manufactory  to  do  a  certain 
kind  of  work,  perhaps  a  dozen  smaller  shops  are 
founded  to  perform  widely  different  operations. 
Take  the  hat  business,  for  instance.  We  must 
all  wear  hats  a  good  part  of  the  time,  conse- 
quently hatters  are  numerous  and  prosperous, 
and  as  the  work  which  they  carry  on  requires 
certain  tools,  blocks,  forms,  etc.,  many  large 
factories  are  employed  in  supplying  these 
articles. 

Prominent  among  the  manufacturers  of  Hat 
Blocks  and  Flanges,  Hatters'  Tools,  etc.,  stands 
the  firm  of  Mosher  &  Curran,  located  on  Water 
street,  South  Norwalk. 

The  business  was  started  in  1882,  and  has  now 
reached  large  proportions,  requiring  the  occu- 
pancy of  two  floors  48x32  in  dimensions,  and  the 
employment  of  35  horse-power. 

Both  a  wholesale  and  retail  business  is  carried 
on,  principally  in  Hatters'  Materials,  although 
Variety  Trimming  in  quantity  is  also  done. 

The  firm  consists  of  Messrs.  W.  H.  Mosher 
and  J.  F.  Curran,  both  of  these  gentlemen  being 
natives  of  Yonkers,  New  York.  Work  is  done 
at  the  lowest  market  rates  and  perfect  satisfaction 
is  guaranteed. 


146 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH  NORWALK. 


J.  W.  Studwell,  Agent  for  B.  Shoninger  & 
Co.,  and  Dealer  in  Pianos  and  Organs,  12  Railroad 
Place. — A  business  agent  is  a  man  whose  ser- 
vices are  valuable  both  to  the  buyer  and  the 
seller,  and  he  who  devotes  his  entire  time  to  this 
business  is  certainly  as  well  if  not  better  pre- 


pared to  act  wisely  and  with  good  judgment  than 
either  owner  or  purchaser  probably  could. 

Mr.  J.  W.  Studwell,  who  is  agent  for  several 
of  the  best  manufacturers  of  Pianos  and  Organs, 
established  his  business  in  South  Norwalk  in 
1879. 

The  attractive  warerooms  utilized  for  the 
transaction  of  the  business  covers  an  area  of  24x 
60  feet,  where  a  fine  assortment  of  the  best  makes 
in  Pianos  and  Organs  may  be  found.  Among 
the  most  celebrated  are  the  Emerson,  Shoninger 
and  Weber.  He  has  the  assistance  of  a  thor- 
oughly capable  clerk  who  is  conversant  with  all 
the  details  of  the  business,  and  his  already  large 
retail  trade  is  steadily  increasing. 

These  instruments  are  sold  at  very  reasonable 
prices  for  cash  or  on  the  installment  plan.  Mr. 
Studwell  has  had  several  years'  experience  in 
this  line  of  business,  and  is  considered  one  of  the 
best  judges  of  Pianos  or  Organs  in  this  section  of 
the  country. 

Mr.  Studwell  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and 
his  long  business  career  in  South  Norwalk  has 
gained  him  many  friends. 

We  recommend  him  heartily  to  all  who  desire 
any  of  the  above  named  instruments  as  being  a 
man  entirely  capable  of  conducting  his  business 
in  an  intelligent  and  successful  manner  to  the 
financial  advantage  of  his  patrons. 

The  Volk  Hat  Company,  Successors  to 
Joseph  A.  Volk  &  Co.,  Manufacturers  of  Fine 
Wine  Stiff  Hats,  Cor.  Raymond  and  Day  Streets. 
— Of  late  years  South  Norwalk  has  attained  dis- 
tinction as  one  of  the  leading  hat  manufacturing 
cities  in  the  country,  and  her  fame  for  quality 
as  well  as  quantity  of  these  productions  is  rapid- 
ly extending. 

Among  those  concerns  whose  energy  and 
resources  have  produced  these  results,  the  Volk 
Hat  Company  maintains  a  prominent  position 
and  since  its  incorporation  four  years  ago  it  has 
exercised  a  most  beneficent  influence,  and  met 
with  most  gratifying  success. 


The  company's  factory  is  located  at  corner 
Raymond  and  Day  streets,  and  consists  of  two 
large  three-story,  brick  and  frame  buildings, 
40x70  feet,  and  30x80  feet  in  dimensions,  respec- 
tively, and  the  establishment  in  its  equipment 
and  appointments  is  a  pattern  of  completeness 
and  convenience. 

The  extensive  business  of  the  house  affords 
employment  to  several  hundred  operatives. 

The  output  comprises  a  full  assortment  of 
Fine  Wine  Stiff  Hats  of  the  best  quality,  and  in 
latest  and  most  fashionable  styles  and  colors, 
and  the  ability  of  the  company  to  meet  all  the 
requirements  of  an  exacting  trade,  make  this  a 
favorite  source  of  supply  for  the  leading  jobbers 
and  dealers  in  all  parts  of  the  country. 

The  officers  of  the  company  are  as  follows: 
President,  Christian  Swartz;  Secretary  and 
Treasurer,  Jos.  A.  Volk;  Superintendent,  Henry 
I.  Smith,  all  of  whom  are  men  especially  quali- 
fied for  their  several  responsible  positions,  and 
their  ability  and  worth  inspire  fullest  confidence 
of  their  trade  and  correspondents  everywhere. 

Mr.  Swartz  is  a  Director  of  the  City  National 
Bank,  and  both  he  and  the  efficient  Secretary  of 
the  Company  are  numbered  among  the  most 
prominent  and  influential  citizens  of  Norwalk. 

Jacob  M.  Layton,  Fire,  Life  and  Accident  In- 
surance Agency,  Real  Estate  and  House  Agent, 
Ocean  Steamship  Tickets,  65  Washington  Street, 
next  door  to  Post  Office. — The  house  of  Jacob 
M.  Layton,  located  at  No.  65  Washington  street 
(next  door  to  Post  Office)  does  a  general  Real  Es- 
tate business,  buying  and  selling,  procuring  loans, 
etc.  He  also  places  insurance  in  reliable  compa- 
nies and  makes  collections,  and  in  all  these 
branches  of  business  is  amply  prepared  to  con- 
duct business  in  an  able  maimer.  He  is  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  property  of  the  city  and  his 
judgment  in  this  direction  is  of  value  to  all  who 
desire  to  either  buy  or  sell. 

As  an  Insurance  man  he  represents  the  followT- 
ing  well  known  and  reliable  companies:  London 
Assurance  Corporation,  Norwich  Union  Fire  In- 
surance Society,  Continental  Insurance  Company, 
New  York;  North  British  &  Mercantile,  Washing- 
ton Fire  and  Marine,  Boston;  Glens  Falls  Insur- 
ance Company,  Sun  Fire  Office,  London;  Fire 
Association,  Philadelphia,  Penn  ;  Newark  Fire 
Insurance  Company,  Merchants  Insurance  Com- 
pany, Newark,  N.  J. ;  Rochester  German  Insur- 
ance Company,  Lion  of  London,  Scottish  Union 
and  National  Insurance  Company,  State  of  Penn- 
sylvania, Philadelphia;  New  Hampshire  Insur- 
ance Company;  Imperial  of  London,  Middlesex 
Mutual,  Connecticut. 

The  business  was  established  in  1876.  He 
fully  understands  the  Insurance,  Loaning  and 
Real  Estate  business,  and  is  a  prompt  and  effi- 
cient collector.  Any  business  trusted  to  him  will 
be  well  and  faithfully  transacted.  Mr.  Layton 
is  a  Notary  Public  and  competent  not  only  to  pre- 
pare Legal  Documents,  Deeds,  Mortgages,  etc., 
but  also  to  take  acknowledgement  of  the  same. 

Mr.  Layton  also  has  on  hand  Ocean  Steamship 
Tickets,  Drafts  and  Money  Orders.  Railroad 
tickets  to  all  points  South  and  West  are  also  for 
sale,  and  baggage  will  be  checked  to  destination 
by  Pennsylvania  R.  R.  or  New  York  Central  R. 
R.  and  connecting  lines  South  and  West. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH  NOR  WALK. 


147 


Mr.  Layton  is  a  native  of  New  Jersey  and  is 
highly  esteemed  in  this  city,  having  occupied  the 
position  of  Water  Commissioner  and  also  a  mem- 
ber of  School  Committee.  He  is  at  present  writ- 
ing Treasurer  of  the  School  District  and  Secretary 
of  the  Water  Board. 

He  will  always  be  found  ready  to  conduct  bus 
iness  with  prudence  and  energy,  and  we  com- 
mend him  to  non-residents  who  have  property  in 
South  Norwalk  as  a  proper  gentleman  to  take 
charge  of  same. 

I.  M.  Hoyt,  Druggist  and  Pharmacist,  62  Main 
Street. — Among  the  many  long  and  well  estab- 
lished houses  in  this  city  devoted  to  sale  of  drugs 
and  manufacture  of  Medicines,  we  take  pleasure  in 
calling  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  the  house  of 
Mr.  I.  M.  Hoyt,  located  at  62  Main  street.  This 
Pharmacy  was  established  by  its  present  proprie- 
tor in  1875,  and  during  the  twelve  years  of  its 
existence  it  has  gained  an  extensive  trade  extend 
ing  throughout  the  city.  The  premises  com- 
prise a  fine  store  20x60  feet  in  dimensions  which 
is  elegantly  fitted  up  and  arranged  in  the  most 
approved  style. 

The  goods  handled  are  tastefully  displayed  and 
include  a  complete  stock  of  Drugs,  Medicines, 
Fancy  and  Toilet  Articles,  etc.  The  extensive 
business  of  this  house  requires  the  assistance  of 
three  comp3tent  and  reliable  clerks,  and  phy- 
sicians' prescriptions  are  compounded  with  the 
utmost  care  and  caution.  Dr.  Hoyt  is  a  reliable 
Chemist  and  the  public  are  assured  that  only  the 
purest  Drugs  are  used  in  the  manufacture  of 
Medicines  at  this  establishment.  Dr.  Hoyt  is 
proprietor  and  manufacturer  of  Hoyt's  Cough 
Remedy,  Hoyt's  Fever  and  Ague  Cure,  and  other 
specialties,  which  are  so  well  known  and  highly 
appreciated  by  all  who  have  used  them.  Dr. 
Hoyt  is  a  native  of  Norwalk,  well  known  and 
highly  esteemed  in  social  and  business  circles 
throughout  the  city. 

Hayes  &  Co.,  Manufacturers  of  Fine  Stiff 
and  Flexible  Brim  Fur  Hats,  Cedar  Street. — 
Among  the  numerous  Hat  Manufacturers  of 
Connecticut,  none  produces  better  goods  than 
the  well  known  establishment  of  Hayes  &  Co., 
whose  factories  are  located  on  Cedar  Street,  200 
feet  west  of  Main,  in  this  town,  and  whose  New 
York  office  is  at  115  Greene  street,  where  a  full 
line  of  samples  are  shown.  Their  main  office  is 
at  the  factory ;  here  all  accounts  are  kept,  and 
goods  are  shipped  direct  to  their  destination. 

At  these  factories  they  manufacture  a  line  of 
Stiff  and  Flexible  Brim  Fur  Hats  of  a  fine  grade, 
made  entirely  by  hand,  and  these  are  placed  in 
the  hands  of  the  leading  jobbers  throughout  tl^e 
United  States. 

The  goods  are  produced  under  the  personal 
supervision  of  Mr.  R.  F.  Hayes,  a  gentleman  of 
long  experience  in  the  business,  having  been 
closely  connected  with  the  Hat  business  for  the 
past  twenty  years,  formerly  carrying  on  the 
same  business  in  Danbury,  Conn. 

The  product  of  this  establishment  cannot  be 
excelled,  either  in  quality  or  price,  by  any  of 
its  contemporaries,  and  all  using  their  goods  are 
thoroughly  satisfied  with  them.  We  commend 
this  establishment  to  our  readers,  both  at  home 
and  abroad. 


The  Duncan  Iron  Railing  Works,  Manufactu- 
rers of  Wrought  and  Cast  Iron  Fencing,  Iron  Gates, 
Doors,  Shutters  and  Grating,  also  Iron  Stairs  and 
Bolts  for  Building  Purposes,  Water  Street,  Wm.  H. 
Hoyt,  Proprietor.— These  works,  the  leadiDg indus- 
try of  the  kind  in  South  Norwalk,  were  establish- 
ed over  twenty  years  ago  by  Mr.  Wm.  H.  Dun- 
can, who  in  1NS2  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Wm.  H. 
Hoyt. 

The  establishment  is  eligibly  located  on  Water 
street,  with  every  facility  for  shipment  and  re- 
ceipt of  merchandise  by  rail  or  water,  and  the 
works  throughout  are  a  model  of  good  manage- 
ment and  completeness.  The  machinery  is 
driven  by  steam  power  and  a  force  of  skilled 
workmen  are  constantly  employed  in  the  manu- 
facture of  Wrought  and  Cast  Iron  Fencing,  Iron 
Doors,  Gites,  Shutters  and  Gratings,  and  also  Iron 
Stairs  and  Bolts  for  building  purposes. 

The  finest  work  in  style  and  finish  is  promptly 
executed  to  order  at  lowest  prices,  and  the  hon- 
orable methods  and  worth  of  this  reliable  manu- 
facturer has  firmly  established  him  in  a  prosper- 
ous business  and  in  general  esteem  and  confi- 
dence of  his  customers  and  correspondents  at 
home  and  abroad. 

Mr.  Hoyt  is  a  native  of  New  York  and  is  an 
expert,  practical  business  man,  and  his  success 
has  been  commensurate  with  his  energy  and 
worth. 

He  makes  a  specialty  of  Oyster  Steam  Dredges 
and  Shipsmithing. 


S.  W.  Gregory,  Livery,  Boarding,  Sale,  Feed 
and  Exchange  Stables,  Railroad  Place. — An  en- 
terprise that  is  invariably  well  managed  is  sure 
of  success,  hence  we  find  that  ever  since  Mr.  S. 
W.  Gregory  started  in  this  business,  some  five 
years  ago,  fortune  has  continually  favored  his 
efforts  in  catering  to  the  wants  of  the  public  in 
the  livery  business.  Since  his  first  beginning 
here  he  has  shown  a  thorough  knowledge  of 
what  is  required,  good  taste  in  his  outfits,  and  a 
careful  supervision  ©f  every  detail  in  the  several 
departments  and  necessary  equipments,  which 
has  given  his  establishment  a  reputation  second 
to  none  other  in  this  city. 

The  premises  occupied  are  located  on  Railroad 
Place  and  comprise  a  fine  two-story  brick  building 
which  is  complete  in  all  its  departments.  This 
extensive  establishment  has  a  large  number  of 
fine  driving  horses,  together  with  buggies,  pure- 
tons,  etc.,  all  of  elegant  style  and  finish,  special 
care  being  taken  that  everything  turned  out  from 
the  stables  is  supplied  with  every  requisite  for 
comfort  and  safety.  The  accommodations  for 
boarding  horses  are  also  of  a  superior  character. 
The  stables  are  models  of  cleanliness,  as  is  every- 
thing connected  with  the  establishment.  The 
feed  and  care  given  the  animals  in  their  charge 
is  such  as  only  a  lengthened  experience  and  a 
knowledge  of  their  wants  can  supply. 

Several  men  are  employed  in  connection  with 
the  various  departments  of  the  business,  and 
horses  and  carriages  can  be  obtained  at  all  hours, 
with  or  without  drivers. 

Mr.  Gregory  is  a  native  of  the  State  and  is 
highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him.  He 
sends  a  fine  coach  to  all  tbe  trains  and  has  tele- 
phone connection. 


148 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH  NORWALK. 


Joseph  J.  Asch,  Manufacturer  of  Hatters' 
Furs,  and  Hat  Forming  Works. — Prominent 
among  the  leading  establishments  throughout 
the  State  engaged  in  this  industry,  we  find 
that  of  J.  J.  Asch.  This  business  was  estab- 
lished very  many  years  ago,  and  has  always 
been  eminently  successful  from  the  start 

About  two  years  ago  the  buildings  were 
entirely  destroyed  by  fire,  and  after  taking  tem- 
porary quarters,  Mr.  Asch  at  once  began  to  build 
his  present  fine  factories,  and  since  being  com- 
pleted, which  was  quite  recent,  he  has  fitted 
them  up  with  the  most  modern  machinery  used 
in  the  business. 

These  works  cover  an  area  of  nearly  an  acre, 
and  are  built  in  a  thoroughly  substantial  manner 
throughout,  being  of  brick,  the  walls  being 
eighteen  inches  thick  at  the  base  and  sixteen 
inches  at  the  top.  The  building  is  divided  into 
several  departments,  among  which  are  the  Hat 
Forming  Rooms,  Cutting  and  Packing  Room, 
Wash  Room,  Carroting  Room,  Drying  Room, 
Boiler  Room  (in  which  are  two  eighty  horse- 
power boilers),  Engine  Room  (fitted  with  an 
engine  of  100  horse-power).  On  the  second, 
third  and  fourth  floors  we  find  many  other 
departments,  to  describe  which  would  occupy 
more  space  than  we  have  at  our  disposal. 

This  representative  house  occupies  extensive 
warehouses  at  64  and  66  White  street,  New 
York,  and  a  very  extensive  business  is  done, 
extending  throughout  the  country.  From  one 
hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  hands  are 
employed. 

J.  W.  OAVANAGH, 
Artist  in  Marble, 
ITALIAN  MARBLE  AND  GRANITE  MON- 
UMENTS, 

South  Norwalk. 

Raymond  Brothers,  Wholesale  Dealers  and 
Commission  Merchants,  Office  Washington 
Street,  Yard  and  Wharves,  Water  Street,  branch 
at  Greenwich,  Conn. — Possessing  exceptional 
facilities  for  their  large  trade  in  Coal,  Building 
materials,  Straw,  Hay,  Flour,  Grain,  etc., 
Messrs.  Raymond  Brothers  have  for  nearly 
twenty  years  held  a  prominent  place  among  the 
wholesale  dealers  and  commission  merchants  of 
Western  Connecticut. 

The  extensive  trade  of  the  house  was  inaugu- 
rated in  1868,  and  from  the  beginning  has  been 
conducted  with  marked  energy  and  success,  and 
their  trade  has  attained  colossal  proportions. 

The  Messrs.  Raymond  occupy  a  large  three- 
story  building  and  office  on  Washington  street, 
with  extensive  yards,  storehouses  and  wharves 
on  Water  street  in  this  city;  also  a  branch  yard, 
with  all  modern  facilities,  in  Greenwich,  Connec- 
ticut, their  advantages  for  receipt,  storage  and 
shipments  are  unsurpassed  by  any  house  in  their 
line  in  New  England,  and,  indeed  equaled  by  few. 

The  firm  manufacture  Cement  Pipe,  put  down 
Wells,  build  Reservoirs,  and  are  heavy  dealers  in 
all  kinds  of  Coal  for  manufacturing  and  domes- 
tic purposes,  Hard  and  Soft  Wood,  and  every 
desirable  article  in  building  materials,  Blue  and 
Brown  Stone,  Granite,  FiTe  Brick,  Clay,  Fertiliz- 
ers, Drain  Pipe,  Terra  Cotta  Ornaments,  Hay. 
Straw,  Flour,  Grain,  Salt,  Fish,   Oil,  Soap,  etc. 


Consignments  of  anything  in  their  line  have- 
prompt  personal  attention  and  merchandise  is 
handled  to  the  best  advantage  of  consigners,  at 
low  rates  of  commission,  the  facilities  for  prompt, 
advantageous  sales  being  all  that  could  be  desir- 
ed. Prompt  returns  are  made,  and  satisfaction 
guaranteed,  and  the  extensive  acquaintance  and 
standing  of  the  house  in  the  markets  at  home 
and  abroad  make  this  a  desirable  firm  with  which 
to  establish  and  maintain  business  relations. 

The  firm  are  agents  for  the  celebrated  Averill 
Chemical  Paint,  and  have  at  all  times  an  im- 
mense stock  of  merchandise  available  for  imme- 
diate orders,  and  in  all  their  engagements  are 
prompt,  reliable  and  accommodating.  The 
Messrs.  Raymond  make  contracts  for  Bridges, 
Sewers,  Landscape  Gardening,  Painting,  Grad- 
ing, Flag  and  Cement  Walks,  Trucking,  etc., 
and  employ  a  large  force  of  skilled  workmen  and 
mechanics  in  their  business. 

Messrs.  Win.  T.  and  Tlios.  I.  Raymond  are 
the  individual  members  of  this  successful  firm. 
They  are  natives  of  Connecticut  and  are  promi- 
nent and  influential  citizens  of  this  thriving  city. 

H.  Krieger,  Dealer  in  Fancy  Goods,  Ribbons, 
Millinery  Goods,  etc.,  Mahackemo  Hotel  Block, 
Main  Street. — Here  is  a  business  house,  one  of 
the  first  in  this  city,  having  been  established  in 
1868,  when  the  city  was  in  its  infancy.  Having 
worked  himself  in  the  ways  of  the  people,  the 
proprietor  always  has  a  stock  on  hand  to  please 
them.  We  would  just  name  a  few  of  the  many 
articles  kept  here. 

In  the  first  place  we  will  take  Ribbons,  being 
the  first  thing  that  takes  your  eye;  it  is  one  of 
the  largest  lines  carried  on  in  the  State.  Secondly 
— the  stock  of  Millinery  goods.  A  shape  cannot 
be  named  but  that  the  proprietor  has  secured  it. 
Third — Corsets,  embracing  all  styles  and  prices. 
Hosiery  in  every  description,  Underwear,  Gloves, 
both  fabric  and  kid.  Buttons,  etc.  It  would  tire 
the  reader  to  name  the  different  articles  kept 
here. 

In  conclusion  we  would  s.^y  that  prices  are  so- 
low  that  people  cannot  fail  to  appreciate  them. 
Go  here  for  anything  in  the  fancy  goods  line,  you 
are  sure  to  find  it.  Such  a  complete  stock  can- 
not be  found  in  the  State.  The  proprietor  is  H. 
Krieger,  Mahackemo   Hotel  Block,  Main  Street. 

A.  L.  Duncan,  Manufacturer  of  Fine  Stiff 
Hats,  Flexible  Brims  and  Cassimeres;  Factory, 
Union  Street. — The  City  of  South  Norwalk  lias 
long  been  famous,  not  only  for  the  quantity'  of 
the  hats  manufactured  within  her  limits,  but 
in  quality  as  well,  her  pre  eminence  is  established 
on  a  sure,  enduring  basis. 

Of  those  engaged  in  this  importsnt  industry 
here,  A.  L.  Duncan  occupies  a  prominent  posi- 
tion, and  his  factory  on  Union  Street  is  one  of 
the  most  complete  and  extensive  in  the  city. 

The  business  was  inaugurated  by  Mr.  Duncan 
in  1884,  and  has  from  its  inception  been  carried 
on  with  consummate  tact  and  ability  and  with 
consequent  success. 

The  main  factory  is  a  large  four-story  brick 
building,  30x90  feet  in  dimensions,  with  two 
additional — one,  45x46,  another,  60x22 — equipped 
most  thoroughly  with   the  latest  improved  ma- 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH  NORWALK. 


149 


chinery,  driven  by  steam,  and  over  100  operatives 
are  employed  in  the  business. 

The  output  comprises  Stiff  and  Flexible  Fur 
Hats  of  the  finest  quality,  large  quantities  of 
which  are  daily  turned  out  and  find  ready  mar- 
kets in  all  parts  of  the  country.  For  styles, 
finish  and  general  excellence  of  his  hats,  Mr. 
Duncan  is  unsurpassed  by  any  house  in  his  line 
in  New  England,  and  the  factory  is  a  favorite 
source  of  supply  f'->r  jobbers  and  dealers  in  all 
parts  of  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Duncan  is  a  native  of  South  Norwalk,  and 
is  a  business  man  of  sagacity  and  energy,  and 
his  worth,  punctuality  and  honorable  business 
methods  have  firmly  established  him  in  general 
confidence,  and  have  developed  a  large  and 
steadily  growing  trade. 

First  National  Bank. — Under  the  provisions 
of  the  United  States  Banking  Laws,  the  First 
National  Bank  of  South  Norwalk  was  organized 
and  began  business  in  September,  1864. 

The  capital  of  the  Bank  is  $200,000,  with  a 
surplus,  exclusive  of  undivided  profits  of  $24,000. 
The  liberal  methods  and  policy  of  the  Bank, 
combined  with  prudence  and  ability  of  a  high 
order  begets  the  universal  and  unqualified  confi 
dence  of  customers  and  makes  it  a  valuable 
medium  of  exchange,  deposit  and  discount,  and 
the  standing  of  the  officers  and  directors,  who 
are  among  the  most  prominent  capitalists  and 
successful  manufacturers  and  merchants  of  Fair- 
field County,  gives  promise  of  a  long  continued 
career  of  usefulness. 

The  officers  of  the  Bank  at  present  writing  are: 
President,  Dudley  P.  Ely  who  has  been  presi- 
dent since  April  25th,  1865;  Cashier,  J.  J.  Mil 
lard,  who  has  been  cashier  since  the  organization 
of  the  bank  in  September,  1864;  Teller,  C.  E. 
Ferris,  whohasheld  the  same  positionsincel865; 
Directors,  Dudley  P.  Ely,  E.  K.  Lockwood, 
Samuel  Clark,  Alfred  E.  Austin,  Russell  Frost, 
J.  R.  Jennings  and  Alphonso  Dibble. 

C.  F.  Boutwell,  Dentist,  Lauder's  New  Block. 
— In  the  rapid  improvements  of  the  last  quarter 
of  a  century,  every  branch  of  business  has  seemed 
to  move  forward,  but  none  more  so  than  the  den- 
tal art,  which  now  seems  to  be  at  its  height,  es- 
pecially as  we  view  the  appliances  and  improve- 
ments of  our  best  dental  rooms. 

Mr.  C.  F.  Boutwell  whose  parlors  are  located 
in  Lauder's  New  Block  (up  stairs)  is  among  the 
leading  gentlemen  in  this  line,  and  no  pains  or 
money  is  spared  to  provide  every  modern  inven- 
tion, and  all  branches  of  dentistry  are  conducted 
in  an  experienced  manner. 

The  business  was  established  here  eighteen 
months  ago  by  Mr.  Boutwell,  who  has  had  along 
experience,  having  been  with  his  father,  who  is  a 
dentist  in  Ansonia,  for  several  years  previous,  alto- 
gether twelve  years'  experience.  His  prices  are  rea- 
sonable as  possible  for  first  class  work  and,  all  in 
need  of  a  reliable  dentist  will  do  well  to  give  him  a 
trial. 

He  is  a  native  of  Ansonia,  Connecticut,  and  is 
a  young  man  of  ability  and  energy,  fully  under- 
standing his  profession  in  all  its  branches  and 
well  deserving  the  success  he  has  achieved  and 
the  patronage  he  has  received. 


Geo.  Buckmaster  &  Co.,  Manufacturers  of 
Bronze  Hardware,  Knobs,  Locks,  etc, — One  of 
the  most  prominent  as  well  as  important  manu- 
factories in  South  Norwalk  is  that  conducted  so 
ably  by  Messrs.  Geo.  Buckmaster  &  Co.  This 
business  was  established  in  December,  1886,  by 
Geo.  Buckmaster,  who  conducted  it  until  April 
15th,  1887,  when  Mr.  Chas.  E.  Woodward  was 
admitted  as  partner,  the  firm  name  then  being 
changed  to  Geo.  Buckmaster  &  Co. 

They  occifpy  for  business  purposes  four  two- 
story  buildings  100  feet  square;  these  are  fitted 
up  with  all  the  most  modern  machinery  used  in 
the  manufacture  of  the  goods.  A  thirty  horse- 
power steam  engine  and  boiler  provide  the  mo- 
tive power,  and  sixty  skilled  hands  are  employed, 
in  the  many  departments. 

An  exceedingly  large  and  steadily  increasing- 
business  is  transacted  and  extends  all  over  the 
the  United  States.  The  product  of  the  factory 
embraces  all  kinds  of  Bronze  Hardware,  Knobs, 
Locks,  etc.,  and  these  are  sold  to  the  trade  on 
most  reasonable  terms. 

Mr.  Geo.  Buckmaster  is  anative  of  Hempstead, 
L.  I.,  and  has  resided  in  South  Norwalk  since 
1886. 

Mr.  Chas.  E.  Woodward  is  a  native  of  South 
Norwalk,  and  is  the  son  of  Mr.  E.  A.  Wood- 
ward, a  well-known  citizen  of  South  Norwalk. 
Both  members  of  the  firm  are  energetic  and 
enterprising,  and  are  well  known  and  respected 
gentlemen.  All  having  business  dealings  with 
them  will  meet  with  liberal  treatment,  and  can- 
not fail  but  be  satisfied,  both  as  regards  quality 
and  price  of  goods  purchased  of  them. 


William  K.  McEwen,  Fur  Hat  Manufacturer, 
Jobber  and  Retailer,  and  Dealer  in  Gents' Fur- 
nishing Goods. — The  principles  of  the  so-called 
"  science  of  political  economy  "  are  evidently  far 
from  being  established,  if  one  may  judge  by  the 
disputes  among  those  who  profess  to  be  experts 
on  the  subject,  but  probably  none  would  chal- 
lenge the  statement  that,  other  things  being 
equal,  it  is  more  to  the  advantage  of  the  con- 
sumer to  purchase  directly  from  the  manufac- 
turer than  it  would  be  to  transact  business 
through  an  agent  or  middleman. 

This  is  evident  for  many  reasons,  chief  among 
them  being  that  at  least  one  profit  is  saved  and 
that  the  salesman  eannot  screen  himself  behind 
the  plea  of  ignorance  of  the  goods  should  they 
prove  unsatisfactory. 

This  being  generally  understood,  the  pros- 
perity attending  the  enterprise  of  Mr.  Wm.  K. 
McEwen,  the  well-known  Fur  Hat  Manufacturer 
and  Dealer,  requires  no  explanation.  Business 
was  begun  by  him  in  1882,  and  a  shop  covering 
two  floors  and  using  ten  horse-power  is  now 
occupied,  and  the  services  of  fifteen  skilled  hands 
required. 

A  large  business  is  done  in  the  jobbing  and 
retailing  of  Fine  Fur  Hats  and  a  complete  line 
of  fashionable  Gents'  Furnishings,  in  which 
goods  au  extensive  retail  trade  is  enjoyed,  is  also 
carried. 

Mr  MeEwen  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Scotland, 
and  by  his  enterprise,  foresight  and  good  man- 
agement has  fairly  won  success. 


150 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH  NOR  WALK. 


Walter  L.  Wilcox,  Successor  to  Hon.  W.  S. 
Hanford,  Insurance  Agency;  Office,  Corner 
Washington  and  Main  Streets. — Insurance,  both 
Fire  and  Life,  is  one  of  the  great  interests  of  the 
age.  In  money,  power  and  influence,  it  ranks 
with  banking,  railroading,  mining  and  mercantile 
pursuits.  The  penniless  and  dependent  are  pro- 
tected through  its  blessed  influence.  All  over  the 
globe  the  protecting  power  of  this  science  is  felt. 

The  only  question  to  be  considered  is:  Winch 
are  the  best  conducted  and  safest  companies  in 
which  to  insure  V 

Mr.  Walter  L.Wilcox,  at  the  corner  of  Washing- 
ton and  Main  streets,  is  regarded  as  a  reliable 
gentleman,  and  represents  the  following  well- 
known  companies:  American,  of  Philadelphia;  In- 
surance Company  of  North  America,  Meriden,  of 


Meriden;  Niagara,  of  New  York;  Ger- 
man American,  of  New  York;  Fireman's 
Friend,  of  California;  Fire  Insurance 
Association,  of  England;  British  Amer- 
ica, of  Ontario;  Commercial  Union,  of 
England;  Hanover,  of  Springfield,  and 
the  Anglo-Nevada,  of  California. 

Mr.  Wilcox  has  been  in  the  insurance 
business  for  the  past  ten  years,  having 
succeeded  the  Hon.  W.  S.  Hanford  three 
years  ago. 

He  occupies  two  neat  offices  at  the 
above  location  on  the  second  floor,  and 
has  a  large  and  extensive  patronage.  He 
is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  is  a  young 
man  of  energy  and  ability,  and  conducts 
his  business  on  a  high  plane  of  business 
honor,  hence  has  the  confidence  of  the 
general  public  throughout  the  city.  All 
wishing  to  place  insurance  in  reliable 
companies  should  call  upon  Mr.  Wilcox, 
and  we  feel  assured  that  their  confidence 
will  not  be  misplaced. 

Giles  Haulenbeck,  Manufacturer  of 
Cigar  Boxes,  Foot  of  Marshal  Street. — 
The  industries  of  Norwalk  are  varied, 
and  in  our  researches  we  find  specialties 
that  deserve  proper  mention.  Among 
these  we  note  the  house  of  Giles  Haulen- 
beck, Manufacturer  of  Cigar  Boxes  of  all 
kinds  and  sizes. 

The  factory  is  located  at  the  foot  of 
Marshal  street,  South  Norwalk,  and 
comprises  two  floors  24x38  feet  in  dimen- 
sions. This  is  fitted  up  with  all  the  most 
modern  machines  used  in  the  manufacture 
of  their  goods,  which  are  propelled  by  a 
gas  engine  of  several  horsepower. 

Four  skilled  hands  are  employed  in  the 
different  departments,  and  they  turn  out 
2,500  boxes  per  week.  The  trade  is 
mostly  local  and  is  very  extensive,  being 
entirely  wholesale. 

Mr.  Haulenbeck  established  the  busi- 
ness eleven  years  ago,  and  has  conducted 
it  on  strictly  business  principles. 

Mr.  Giles  Haulenbeck   is  a  native   of 
%7mww^MWWim New  Jersey-  ar"1  is  a  thoroughly  experi- 
enced man  in  the  business  he  has  under- 
taken.    He  also  enjoys  as  many  facilities 
and  as  large  resources   for  supplying  the 
trade  in  this  line  of  goods  as   any  house 
in  Norwalk. 
Mr.  Haulenbeck   is  noted   for  fairness   in   all 
business  dealings,  and  will  continue  in  the  future 
as  he  has  in  the  past  to  place  his  goods  at  the 
lowest  market  prices. 


E.  P.  Knapp,  Manufacturer  of  Hat  and 
Hardware  Cases. — Among  the  most  enterprising 
and  successful  manufacturers  of  Norwalk,  may 
be  found  Mr.  E.  F.  Knapp,  who  carries  on  the 
manufacture  of  Hat  and  Hardware  Cases. 

Business  was  inaugurated  in  1881,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Fitch  &  Knapp,  and  was  continued 
under  that  style  up  to  April  2!t,  1SS6,  at  which 
time  it  became  as  it  is  at  present. 

The  factory  comprises  two  floors,  each  of  the 
dimensions  (10x52  feet,  and  both  a  wholesale  and 
retail  business  is  done,  employment  being  given 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  SOUTH  NORWALK 


151 


to  ten  men.  The  capacity  of  the  works  is  fiom 
350  to  400  cases  per  day,  and  as  the  products  ot 
this  house  have  met  with  great  favor  among 
those  interested,  the  maximum  output  named 
is  frequently  reached.  All  orders  will  receive 
prompt  and  painstaking  attention  and  the  goods 
are  fully  warranted  to  give  the  best  of  satisfac 

tl0Mr.  Knapp  is  a  native  of  South  Norwalk,  and 
is  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  here  for  his 
many  excellent  qualities. 

J.  R.  Raymond,  Contractor  and  Builder.— As 
one  of  the  oldest  and  most  successful  Contractors 
and  Builders  in  South  Norwalk,  Mr  J.  K.  Kay- 
mond  has  taken  prominent  part  in  the  extensive 
building  operations  in  this  city  during  the  past 
nuarterof  a  century. 

He  established  himself  in  business  here  over 
twenty  five  years  ago,  and  in  most  of  the  work  in 
his  line  his  services  have  been  called  into  requisi- 
te occupies  commodious  workshops  on  Water 
street,  and  his  establishment  is  supplied  with 
wood-working  machinery  of  improved  patterns 
driven  by  steam,  and  a  force  of  twenty-five  skill- 
ed workmen  are  employed  by  him  during  the 
busy  season.  ,  .„ 

Mr.  Raymond  furnishes  plans  and  specifica- 
tions and  gives  estimates  for  all  kinds  of  building 
work,  and  contracts  are  performed  in  the  most 
satisfactory  manner;  orders  for  jobbing  are  rilled 
with  despatch .  Mr.  Raymond  has  a  great  variety 
of  plans  for  buildings  on  hand,  and  furnishes 
Frames,  Doors,  Sash,  etc.,  for  builders  uses,  and 
his  worth  and  ability  justify   the  fullest  confi- 

?He  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  in  a  wide 
circle  of  acquaintance  he  is  held  in  highest  esteem 
for  his  personal  and  business  integrity. 


South  Norwalk  Hat  Company,  Co-operative 
Manufacturers  of  Fine  Wine  and  Water  btitt  , 
and  Flexible  Hats,  of  all  Descriptions;  Factory, 
South  Norwalk;  New  York  Office,  124  Greene 
Street  —This  successful  company,  largely  com- 
posed of  practical  hatters,  was  organized  and 
incorporated  about  three  years  ago,  and  on  a 
scale  of  most  important  proportions  the  busi- 
ness has  since  been  conducted  with  marked  suc- 

C6The  works  of  the  company  are  eligibly  located 
and  comprise  a  two-story  building  30x90  feet  in 
dimensions,  and  the  factory  is  admirably 
equipped  Over  100  workmen  find  constant 
employment  in  the  service  of  this  reliable  com- 

PaThe  output  comprises  fine  Wine  and  Water 
Stiff  and  Flexible  Hats  of  all  descriptions,  in 
latest  styles  and  finest  finish,  and  the  facilities  ot 
the  corporation  for  filling  orders  with  dispatch 
at  lowest  possible  margin  above  cost  ot  produc- 
tion are  unsurpassed,  if  equaled,  by  any  other 
house  in  their  field  of  industrial  enterprise. 

Mr  E  H.  Bush  is  the  President,  and  Mr.  J  no. 
J  Murphy  is  the  efficient  Secretary  of  this  com- 
pany, and  under  their  able  management  and 
direction  the  interests  of  the  corporation  their 
customers  and  correspondents  are  in  every  way 
advanced. 


The  Old  Well  Cigar  Co.,  Manufacturers  of 
Celebrated  Brands  of  Cigars,  Main  Street.— 
Among  the  large  contributors  to  the  greatag 
gregate  of  South  Norwalk's  trade,  The  Old  Well 
Cigar  Company,  established  in  1868  and  incor- 
porated in  1880,  has  held  a  foremost  place,  and 
in  the  esteem  of  the  trade  it  is  one  of  the  most 
reliable  sources  of  supply  in  New  England.  1  he 
Company  occupy  a  large  three-story  building  on 
Main  street,  fully  equipped  for  their  purposes. 
Their  yearly  sales  average  three  million  cigars 
being  the  largest  cigar  factory  in  the  State,  it 
not  in  New  England. 

The   company  are  the  manufacturers  ot  the 
following  popular  brands,  famous  throughout  the 
State    for  their  general  excellence  and    flavor : 
Old  Well  Club,  R.  H.  10,  Gander  Club,  La  Cuba, 
C   S   10   Old  Well  Bouquets,  Stubs,  Lmted  Ser- 
vice Club,  Snow  Drop,  Maud   S     La   Empress, 
Patriots,   Growler,   R.    H.    5,     Monarch,    Snow 
Flake   Old  Well  Five,  Real  Comfort,  Druggist  s 
Pride 'and  Old  Well  Club  Ponies,    all  of  which 
are  celebrated  as  the  best  cigars,  at  prices  asked, 
manufactured  in  this  section.  The  facilities  of  the 
company  for  supplying  seasoned  goods  of  sterling 
Quality  at  low  prices,  makes  this  a  popular  con- 
cern with  which  to  place  orders,  and  the  care  ex- 
ercised to  maintain  the  reputation  of  these  cigars 
by  careful  selection  of  stock  and  personal  super- 
vision of  every  detail  of  the  work,  has  firmly  es- 
tablished the  company  in  the  confidence  ot  job- 
bers and  dealers  in  all  parts  of  the  country. 

The  officers  of  the  company  are:  President, 
Reed  Haviland;  Secretary  and  Treasurer  Chris- 
tian Swartz;  Superintendent,  Mathew  Corbett, 
all  of  whom  are  energetic,  sagacious  and  respon- 
siable  business  man,  whose  skill  and  ability  have 
brought  to  the  company  its  present  success. 

Martin  Bates,  Jr.,  &  Co.,  Importers  and 
Cutters  of  Hatters'  Fur,  South  Norwalk.— The 
great  importance  and  extent  of  the  hat  business 
in  this  country  is  probably  appreciated  more  by 
the  residents  of  Norwalk  than  it  is  by  the  inhab- 
itants of  many  other  sections  of  the  United  States, 
for  there  are  located  here  a  number  of  very  1  >rge 
factories,  more  or  less  directly  connected  with 
the  manufacture  of  hats.  Prominent  among" 
them  is  that  conducted  by  Martin  Bates,  Jr.  & 
Co     this  being  a  branch  of  a  metropolitan  house 

I  whose  main    office  is  located   at  Nos.  80  and  83 

I  Greene  street,  New  York, 

The  branch  of  which  we  are  writing  was 
founded  in  January,  1880,  and  occupies  one 
large  building  containing  three  floors,  each  170X 
32  feet  in  dimensions,  as  well  as  several  smaller 

structures.  .  ...      .„„„ 

The  works  are  supplied  with  a  fifty  horse- 
power boiler  and  engine,  and  employment  is 
S-iven  to  some  eighty  hands.  The  firm  are  Im- 
porters and  Cutters  of  Hatters' Fur,  and  do  an 
enormous  business,  standing,  in  fact,  in  the  very 
front  rank  of  those  engaged  in  a  similar  line  ot 

r  Such  of  our  readers  as  are  familiar  with  the 
"  Hatter  and  Furrier,"  will  doubtless  remember 
I  the  very  full  history  of  Martin  Bates  and  his 
business  given  in  the  issue  of  that  paper  for 
!  January,  1883,  and  we  only  regret  that  space 
i  does  not  permit  us  to  copy  even  a  few  ot  its 
1  most  salient  points  into  our  present  article. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH  OF  STAMFORD. 


Rippo warns  was  the  picturesque  designation  by  which  Stamford  was  known  to 
the  Indians.  They  were  members  of  the  tribe  of  Paugausetts,  who  were  the 
natural  owners  of  the  soil  of  all  this  part  of  the  State.  Of  their  customs  and  life  it 
is  sufficient  to  say  that  they  were  "  Indians  "  of  the  laziest  and  most  inoffensive  class. 

They  were  surprised  during  the  fall  of  1640  by  the  entrance  into  their  harbor  of 
a  party  of  white  men,  probably  the  first  that  most  of  them  had  ever  seen.  The 
leader  of  the  whites  was  Captain  Nathaniel  Turner,  the  military  commander  of  the 
New  Haven  Colony,  and  their  agent  in  the  purchase  of  territory,  who  immediately 
opened  negotiations  with  the  Stamford  Indians  for  their  land.  They  finally  disposed 
of  it,  keeping  only  a  small  reservation  for  themselves,  for  "  twelve  coats,  twelve  hoes, 
twelve  hatchets,  twelve  knives,  two  kettles,  and  four  fathoms  of  white  wampum." 

A  few  months  later  the  New  Hav«n  Colony  sold  the  land  purchased  at  Stamford 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Wethersfield  for  thirty  pounds  sterling,  the  latter  agreeing  to 
adopt  the  New  Haven  church  form  of  government  in  their  management  of  affairs. 
Before  the  close  of  the  year  1641,  there  were  thirty  or  forty  families  from  the 
Wethersfield  Colony  settled  here,  the  latter  in  fact  being  practically  abandoned 
because  of  the  superiority  of  the  soil  and  situation  of  Stamford. 

This  colony  at  Stamford  was  the  most  extreme  toward  the  Dutch  settlement  at 
Manhattan  and  the  Mohawks  in  eastern  New  York  of  any  in  Connecticut,  and 
consequently  it  was  subject  to  many  fears  of  an  hostile  invasion  from  the  west.  At 
one  time  it  looked  very  much  like  war  with  the  Dutch,  when  brave  one-legged  Peter 
Stuyvesant,  "  Gouverneur  of  the  Nieuw  Nedterlandts,"  came  galloping  up  along  the 
coast  through  Stamford  and  New  Haven  to  Hartford,  where  he  gave  his  fearless 
challenge  to  the  "Yankees."  But  the  clouds  happily  blew  over  and  were  finally 
settled  in  1664  by  the  conquest  of  New  Netherlands  by  the  Duke  of  York,  and  its 
annexation  to  the  English  Crown. 

It  was  a  considerable  time  also  before  they  were  relieved  from  the  fears  of  a 
Mohawk  invasion  by  their  being  driven  back  from  the  Hudson  toward  the  western 
part  of  New  York  State.  Hardly  had  they  been  freed  from  these  when  in  1653, 
serious  troubles  were  threatened  by  the  prospective  revolt  of  the  home  Indians  in  their 
reservation  near  Stamford.  If  these  had  once  started  out  upon  the  war-path  there  is 
no  doubt  that  the  infant  colony  would  have  been  completely  blotted  out,  but  they 
were  quieted  just  in  time  by  the  "prudent  measures  of  the  colony."  After  this, 
however,  the  colonists  had  to  take  part  in  the  other  colonial  wars  with  the  Indians, 
including  that  of  King  Philip,  which  resulted  in  the  final  suppression  of  any  fear  of 
"  Indian  massacres  "  in  this  part  of  the  land. 


STAMFORD,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  153 


Stamford  must  have  grown  very  slowly  during  the  century  from  1650  to  1750,  as 
the  records  of  the  State  show  little  evidence  of  its  existence  during  that  time.  The 
name  of  the  first  minister  does  not  seem  to  be  easily  obtainable,  but  the  second  was 
the  Reverend  John  Davenport,  son  of  John  Davenport,  the  famous  originator  and 
leader  of  the  New  Haven  Colony.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Davenport's  pastorate  in  Stamford 
was  thirty-six  years  in  duration  from  1695  to  1731,  when  he  departed  this  life.  He 
wrought  a  powerful  work  for  good  here  and  was  greatly  loved  by  the  people.  On 
his  tomb  it  was  written: 

"Religion,  while  he  dwelt  below, 

Its  sacred  influence  on  him  shed; 
Learning  and  grace  adorned  his  brow, 

And  round  their  balmy  odors  spread. 
Unfading  honors  shall  his  tomb  surround, 

To  guard  and  wait  the  prophet's  sleeping  clay, 
Till  the  last  trumpet  raise  him  from  the  ground, 

To  join  the  triumphs  of  th'  important  day." 

The  Hon.  Abraham  Davenport,  son  of  the  Rev.  John  Davenport  of  Stamford, 
born  here  and  a  life-long  resident,  was  for  many  years  one  of  the  Councillors  of  the 
Colony  and  later  of  the  State  of  Connecticut.  He  was  one  of  the  most  influential 
men  of  the  State  during  the  Revolution  and  the  early  days  of  the  nation's  life  under 
the  Constitution.  The  following  accounts  of  him  are  related  in  the  "  Travels  of  Dr. 
D wight,"  President  of  Yale  College: 

"The  19th  day  of  May,  1780,  was  a  remarkably  dark  day.  Candles  were  lighted 
in  many  houses;  the  birds  were  silent  and  disappeared,  and  the  fowls  retired  to 
roost.  The  legislature  of  the  State  was  then  in  session  at  Hartford.  A  very  general 
opinion  prevailed  that  the  day  of  judgment  was  at  hand.  The  House  of  Represent- 
atives, being  unable  to  transact  their  business,  adjourned.  A  proposal  to  adjourn 
the  Council  was  under  consideration.  When  the  opinion  of  Colonel  Davenport  was 
asked,  he  answered,  '  I  am  against  an  adjournment.  The  day  of  judgment  is  either 
approaching  or  it  is  not.  If  it  is  not,  there  is  no  cause  for  an  adjournment;  if  it  is, 
I  choose  to  be  found  doing  my  duty.  I  wish  therefore  that  candles  maybe  brought.' 
The  other  instance  took  place  at  Danbury,  at  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  of  which 
he  was  chief-justice.  This  venerable  man,  after  he  was  struck  with  death,  heard  a 
considerable  part  of  a  trial,  gave  the  charge  to  the  jury,  and  took  notice  of  an  article 
in  the  testimony  that  had  escaped  the  notice  of  the  counsel  on  both  sides.  He  then 
retired  from  the  bench,  and  was  soon  afterward  found  dead  in  his  bed." 

During  the  Revolutionary  war  Stamford  sustained  her  part  with  honor.  At  the 
beginning  of  the  war  in  1775,  the  total  valuation  of  Stamford  was  £34,078,  only  sur- 
passed by  a  dozen  or  so  of  the  largest  towns  in  the  State,  which  shows  that  there  had 
been  a  great  increase  during  the  last  quarter  century.  It  is  known  that  some  of  her 
citizens  marched  to  Lexington  at  the  time  of  the  alarm,  because  the  town  was  paid 
£28  8s.  4c?.  for  their  expenses  by  the  Legislature. 

The  proximity  of  Stamford  to  New  York  made  the  town  unusually  subject  to 
incursions  from  the  British,  who  used  frequently  to  land  in  the  harbor,  shooting  and 
carrying  off  cattle. 

Col.  David  Waterbury,  one  of  the  most  active  workers  for  the  Continental 
Government  in  this  part  of  the  State,  raised  a  regiment  from  this  vicinity  late  in  the 
summer  of  1775,  which  he  led  into  Canada  with  the  expedition  made  by  General 


154  STAMFORD,  'PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

Montgomery  and  Benedict  Arnold.  For  meritorious  service  during  this  campaign, 
Colonel  David  Waterbury  was  promoted  to  be  a  Brigadier  General.  The  records  of 
the  State  give  evidence  that  even  during  the  time  of  the  Revolution  some  trade  had 
already  sprung  up  with  the  West  Indies. 

In  the  early  part  of  IV 7 8,  a  company  of  twenty-four  men  and  a  commander  were 
stationed  here  as  a  guard  to  the  region  round  about.  The  Continental  naval  force 
in  the  Sound,  which  was  not  very  large,  used  to  make  the  Stamford  harbor  a  frequent 
rendezvous,  because  of  its  security  and  fine  situation  for  making  a  sudden  descent 
upon  the  enemy.  Most  of  the  prisoners  which  the  Continental  troops  captured  in 
this  region  were  stationed  first  at  Stamford  and  then  despatched  to  Hartford.  There 
also  seems  to  have  been  quite  a  number  of  tories  here,  who  were  sent  to  Hartford 
along  with  the  prisoners  and  either  obliged  to  sign  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the 
Continental  Government  or  remain  in  the  State  dungeon. 

Stamford  seems  to  have  done  trading  about  this  time  with  the  West  Indies  in  New 
England  Rum,  which,  however,  never  came  to  be  an  important  part  of  their 
merchandise. 

According  to  the  existing  records  Stamford  and  the  surrounding  region  must 
have  furnished  a  very  large  and  unusual  amount  of  supplies  to  the  Continental  army. 
Another  company  under  Captain  Abraham  Bradley  was  ordered  to  be  stationed  here 
by  Governor  Trumbull,  July  7,  1777. 

Two  days  later,  July  9,  1777,  the  Legislature  appointed  Reuben  Scofield,  of 
Stamford,  to  be  the  captain  of  a  battalion  of  men  raised  in  the  State  "  to  guard  the 
seacoast  toward  New  York." 

In  January  of  the  following  year,  177S,  as  the  State  papers  show,  yet  another 
company  was  raised  and  stationed  at  Stamford  under  the  command  of  John  Bear. 
This  would  demonstrate  that  the  Governor  and  Legislature  fully  appreciated  the 
strategic  importance  of  Stamford.  Probably  the  fact  that  it  was  such  a  rendezvous 
for  troops  was  the  reason  that  it  was  never  invaded  by  the  British.  Its  sons, 
however,  were  not  lacking  in  any  important  engagement,  and  fought  with  the  cool 
and  enduring  courage  for  which  the  Connecticut  troops  were  renowned,  at  Bunker 
Hill,  Brooklyn,  White  Plains,  Trenton,  Princeton,  Saratoga,  Brandywine  and  York- 
town,  as  well  as  suffered  with  patience  indomitable  the  horrors  of  Valley  Forge  and 
the  "  Black  Prison  "  in.  New  York. 

After  the  Revolution  Stamford  did  not  progress  as  rapidly  as  might  have  been 
expected  from  the  start  which  she  had  made.  The  shipping  business  went  down 
almost  as  quickly  as  it  had  arisen,  in  fact  was  nipped  in  the  bud  by  the  embargo  of 
1812.  Stamford's  part  in  this  war  was  not  very  conspicuous,  owing  doubtless  to  the 
lack  of  ships,  with  which  New  England  achieved  most  of  her  fame  at  this  time. 

By  1830,  the  influence  of  manufactures  was  beginning  to  be  felt,  and  in  1836, 
there  were  in  the  town  "  ten  or  twelve  stores,  one  iron  foundry,  one  rolling  mill,  one 
wire  factory,  and  two  large  boot  and  shoe  manufactories;  a  bank,  with  a  capital  of 
$  100,000,  chartered  in  1834,  and  a  postoffice."  Increase  from  this  time  on  was 
steady.  In  1840  the  population  of  the  town  had  reached  3,516,  and  in  1850  it  was 
5,000. 

The  outbreak  of  the  war  in  1861  was  not  unexpected  nor  met  with  hesitation  in 
Stamford.  A  full  quota  of  men  was  sent  out  in  the  Third  Connecticut  Regiment, 
Co.  D,  which  took  part  and  fought  bravely  in  the  battle  of  Bull  Run. 


STAMFORD,  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  155 

Stamford  was  also  represented  by  brave  men  in  Co.  I  of  the  Ninth  Regiment, 
Co.  G  of  the  Tenth,  Co.  B  of  the  Thirteenth,  Co.  B,  Capt.  Charles  A.  Hobbie,  of  the 
Seventeenth,  and  in  the  Twenty-eighth  by  Co.  A,  Capt.  Francis  R.  Leeds,  and  Co. 
B,  Capt.  Cyrus  D.  Jones,  both  entirely  from  Stamford,  and  by  men  in  Co.  C  of  the 
same  regiment. 

The  records  of  the  Ninth  and  Seventeenth  Regiments  have  been  given  in  the 
history  of  Bridgeport.  The  men  of  the  Tenth  first  saw  active  service  off  the  coast 
of  North  Carolina  and  later  during  an  invasion  of  that  State.  They  fought  with 
exemplary  courage  in  the  series  of  battles  in  Charleston  Harbor  and  won  distin- 
guished honors  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Wagner.  For  two  years  they  helped  to  preserve 
Florida  to  the  Union  and  passed  through  the  final  series  of  battles  around  Richmond 
under  Grant,  completing  their  four  years'  service  by  witnessing  the  surrender  of  Lee 
at  Appomattox  Court  House. 

The  Thirteenth  was  called  a  "  dandy  regiment,"  but  soon  showed  what  metal  it 
was  made  of.  First  at  New  Orleans,  then  at  Port  Hudson  and  the  other  battle-fields 
around  Vicksburg,  and  finally  under  Sheridan  in  the  Shenandoah  valley,  the  chivalric 
spirit  of  the  gallant  men  who  composed  it  was  exemplified  by  many  noble  deeds. 
The  Twenty-eighth  also  showed  a  brave  and  patriotic  devotion,  particularly  in  the 
battles  around  Vicksburg,  where  many  of  its  noblest  and  best  men  were  slain. 

Stamford  was  also  represented  in  the  battles  of  Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg, 
Cedar  Creek,  and  most  of  the  other  important  battles  of  the  war.  Men,  money  and 
supplies  were  furnished  with  generous  patriotism  hardly  surpassed  even  in  our  own 
State.  More  than  $74,000  were  subscribed  by  the  citizens  of  the  town  to  maintain 
the  Union  and  its  defenders,  while  the  devoted  women  labored  without  ceasing  that 
the  gallant  soldiers  might  not  be  in  need  of  anything  in  the  physical,  mental,  or 
religious  spheres. 

Many  homes  were  left  desolate  by  the  war.  Amotig  the  number  of  the  noble 
dead  we  find  the  names  of  the  following:  Captain  Francis  R.  Leeds,  formerly  cashier 
of  the  Stamford  Bank,  who  died  in  Florida,  December,  1862,  a  victim  to  over 
exertion  in  his  devotion  to  the  country  and  the  effects  of  the  Southern  climate; 
Lieutenant  Charles  Durand,  who  was  shot  while  leading  his  command  in  the  charge 
at  Port  Hudson;  Corporal  James  Vail  and  Jason  Wardell,  who  were  also  shot  during 
the  same  charge.  All  these,  and  others  whose  names  we  do  not  now  find,  were 
among  the  most  beloved  and  honored  citizens  of  Stamford,  and  though  their  loss 
created  deep  mourning,  yet  now  their  memory  brings  no  thought  save  that  of  sacred 
peace  and  the  noble  work  which  they  helped  to  achieve. 

It  is  since  the  war  that  most  of  the  progress  of  Stamford  has  been  made.  As  the 
beauties  and  facilities  of  the  place  have  come  to  be  better  known  it  has  rapidly 
advanced  both  as  a  manufacturing  center  and  as  a  summer  resort. 

The  manufacturing  interest  has  grown  so  extensively  that  it  has  placed  the  town 
in  the  front  rank  among  the  busy  cities  of  this  busy  State.  A  line  which  has  made 
the  town  famous  in  all  parts  of  the  country  is  the  manufacture  of  locks,  one  of  the 
largest  houses  of  the  kind,  probably,  in  the  world,  being  located  here.  Large  quan- 
tities of  stoves,  iron,  brass,  copper,  and  hollow  ware,  hot  air  and  cooking  ranges, 
castings,  boots  and  shoes,  wire  and  edge  tools,  carriages,  billiard  tables,  wall  paper 
(Lincrusta- Walton),  fire-brick,  drain  pipes,  marble  and  stone  carvings,  are  also  made 
here  and  exported.     The  town  has  assumed  already  that  air  of  modern  progress  and 


156  STAMFORD,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

enterprise  which  mark  the  larger  cities  of  the  State.  Many  massive  and  elegant 
structures  have  arisen  of  late  years  to  represent  the  business  of  the  town.  In  their 
lines  the  buildings  of  the  Yale  &  Towne  Company,  the  Brunswick  &  Balke  Company, 
and  the  Stamford  Bank  have  few  superiors  in  the  St^te. 

A  beautiful  town-hall  building,  of  brick  and  Ofeio  stone,  has  been  erected  at  a 
eost  of  $150,000.  The  Ferguson  Library,  one  of  the  best  in  this  part  of  the  State 
and  thoroughly  appreciated  by  the  people,  also  occupies  an  elegant  building.  There 
are  twelve  churches  in  the  town,  all  well  sustained,  and  some  of  their  edifices  are 
very  beautiful.  Three  enterprising  newspapers  are  published  here,  and  admirably 
sustain  the  public  interests.  There  are  also  two  national  and  two  sav.ngs  banks, 
beside  a  large  number  of  mercantile  houses,  some  of  large  proportions  and  wide 
reputation. 

The  situation  of  Stamford  has  played  no  small  part  in  its  recent  development. 
Hardly  more  than  an  hour's  ride  from  New  York  by  rail,  it  was  not  possible  that  its 
advantages  could  long  escape  observant  and  admiring  eyes.  At  the  present  time, 
twenty-eight  trains  a  day  stop  at  Stamford  coming  from  New  York,  and  as  many 
going  the  other  way,  beside  a  special  train  which  the  New  York,  New  Haven  and 
Hartford  Railroad  Company  have  recently  added  to  meet  a  growing  need  of  those 
coming  up  from  New  York  late  in  the  evening  from  the  theatres.  A  steamboat  line  has 
also  been  established,  and  daily  trips  are  made  back  and  forth  from  the  metropolis. 

Stamford  has  now  come  to  be  one  of  the  most  popular  residences  for  business 
men  in  the  vicinity  of  New  York  city.  The  pure,  invigorating  atmosphere,  the 
magnificent  scenery  toward  the  Sound  and  back  toward  the  country,  its  fine  roads 
for  riding,  and  the  unusual  social  and  church  privileges  for  a  country  residence  have 
justly  rendered  it  one  of  the  most  delightful  of  all  our  places  of  country  residence 
or  summer  resort.  The  town  is  said  to  have  "  more  elegant  private  residences  than 
any  other  of  its  size  in  the  State." 

The  beautiful  situation  and  advantages  of  "Shippan  Point"  are  too  well  known 
to  need  description. 

In  addition  to  the  good  points  we  have  already  named,  the  facilities  for  sea- 
bathing, boating  and  fishing,  the  large  number  of  first-class  hotels  with  every  ac- 
commodation, and  the  lack  of  dazzle  and  glare  which  confound  many  as  the  true  aim 
of  a  season's  recreation,  have  made  Stamford  one  of  the  most  popular  of  our  summer 
resorts  for  those  who  can  discern  and  appreciate  the  "real"  advantages  of  a  watering 
place.  The  ever-increasingly  large  number  who  spend  a  few  weeks  or  months  of  the 
summer  here,  goes  to  show  that  this  is  a  growing  class  among  our  people,  and  that 
Stamford  is  rightly  coming  to  take  a  high  rank  among  the  best  watering  places  on 
the  New  England  coast. 

The  population,  which  in  1880  was  11,298,  is  now  estimated  to  be  not  lower  than 
15,000,  and  will  probably  increase  yet  more  rapidly  in  the  near  future.  The  school 
system  is  a  most  excellent  one.  There  are  seventeen  common  schools  in  the  town, 
four  graded  schools  and  two  academies,  which  are  all  managed  by  the  most  approved 
modern  methods  and  offer  exceptional  privileges.  Several  private  schools  are  also 
maintained.  The  management  of  the  water  and  gas  supply  is  most  scientific-  and 
satisfactory,  and  great  attention  is  paid  to  the  efficiency  of  the  fire  and  police  depart- 
ments. To  a  very  marked  degree  Stamford  is  coming  rapidly  to  assume  an  import- 
ant position  among  the  representative  New  England  cities  of  today. 


EAD1NG  BUSINESS  II  OF  ST 


St.  John,  Hoyt  &  Co.,  Lumber  Dealers,  Canal 
Dock. — Since  the  business  was  inaugurated  in 
1868,  this  house  has  maintained  its  leadership 
among  the  representative  mercantile  concerns  of 
Stamford,  and  the  firm  have  long  been  identified 
with  the  growth  of  the  town  as  a  manufacturing 
and  trade  centre. 

The  office  and  large  yards  of  the  firm  are  ad- 
mirably located  on  Canal  Dock,  where  they  pos- 
sess every  facility  for  receipt,  handling,  storage 
and  shipment  of  large  quantities  of  merchandise, 
the  advantages  for  transportation  from  the  lumber 
regions  and  to  all  parts  of  the  country,  either  by 
rail  or  water,  being  all  that  could  be  desired. 
They  have  five  hundred  feet  of  dock  front,  and 
tke  piling  ground  covers  five  acres  of  land. 

Messrs.  St.  John,  Hoyt  &  Co.  handle  large 
quantities  of  all  kinds  of  rough  and  dressed  sea 
soned  lumber,  and  supply  everything  in  their  line 
with  dispatch  and  at  lowest  possible  wholesale 
and  retail  prices,  and  the  promptitude  in  filling 
orders,  liberal  policy  and  honorable  methods  of 
these  successful  merchants,  command  universal 
commendation  of  their  trade  and  correspondents. 

About  one-half  the  business  is  at  wholesale  and 
extends  over  the  State;  a  track  in  the  yard  con- 
necting with  the  railroad,  giving  them  unequaled 
facilities  for  shipping  lumber  promptly. 

Messrs.  John  St.  John,  Harvey  Hoyt  and  Wm, 
H.  Judd  are  the  individual  members  of  this  relia- 
ble firm.  They  are  all  natives  of  Stamford  and  are 
recognized  as  three  of  her  most  influential,  public- 
spirited  citizens.  They  are  the  president,  vice 
president,  secretary  and  treasurer,  respectively, 
of  the  St.  John  Wood  Working  Co.,  the  leading 
source  of  Sash,  Door  and  Moulding  supply  in 
this  section  of  New  England. 

Mr.  St.  John  is  one  of  the  burgesses  of  the 
borough  of  Stamford,  and  Mr.  Judd  is  a  director 
of  the  Stamford  Savings  Bank. 


The  St.  John  Wood  Working  Co., 
Manufacturers  of  House  Trimmings 
of  every  Description,  embracing 
Pine,  Hardwood  and  Cabinet  Trim- 
mings, Mantels,  Doors,  Sashes  and 
Blinds,  Mouldings,  etc.,  Carving, 
Turning,  Lumber  Yards,  Factory, 
Kiln-Dryers  and  Office,  Canal  Dock. 
— This  corporation  is  the  outgrowth 
of  the  extensive  Lumber  business, 
inaugurated  by  Messrs.  St.  John, 
Hoyt  &  Co.,  in  1868,  and  its  or- 
ganization was  necessitated  to  sup- 
ply the  great  demand  upon  the  re- 
sources of  the  firm  named,  for  work- 
ed Lumber,  Frames,  Sash,  Doors, 
and  Wood  work  generally. 

With  a  view  of  reducing  the  cost  of 
production,  and  at  the  same  time  at- 
taining the  highest  standard  of  excel- 
lence in  their  manufactures,  they  have  recently 
added  to  the  works  a  kiln  dryer,  with  capacity  for 
40,000  feet  of  lumber,  and  introduced  in  all 
departments  of  the  manufactory  the  most 
improved  wood  working  machinery  obtain- 
able. Nothing  but  kiln  dried  lumber  is 
used. 

The  company  was  incorporated  in  1885,  and 
possess  ample  facilities  for  their  business, 
which  is  conducted  on  a  scale  of  great  pro- 
portions. 

The  extensive  lumber  yards,  factory,  kiln 
dryers  and  office  are  conveniently  located  on 
Canal  Dock,  and  the  buildings  cover  an  area  of 
several  acres.  The  factory  is  supplied  with  best 
wood-working  machinery  in  use,  driven  by  a 
steam  engine  of  150  horse  power,  and  a  Urge 
force  of  workmen  are  employed  in  the  various 
departments  of  the  business. 

Large  quantities  of  house  trimmings  of  every 
description,  _  of  new  and  elegant  designs  and 
standard  excellence  are  annually  turned  out  of 
the  establishment,  including  Mantels,  Doors, 
Sashes  and  Blinds,  Mouldings  and  Hard-wood 
finish,  and  Cabinet  Trimmings  of  all  kinds,  and 
Turning  and  Carving  to  order  are  executed  with 
dispatch,  and  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner. 
Estimates  for  all  kinds  of  merchandise  and  work 
are  furnished  on  application,  and  the  honorable 
methods  and  worth  of  the  management  inspires 
universal  confidence. 

The  officers  are  as  follows:  President,  John 
St.  John;  vice  president,  Harvey  Hoyt;  secretary 
and  treasurer,  Wm.  H.  Judd;  general  manager, 
E.  Johnson.  The  thre«  first  named  constitute 
the  firm  of  St.  John,  Hoyt  &  Co.,  the  leading 
lumber  house  in  this  part  of  the  State,  and  in 
municipal  as  in  business  affairs  they  are  promi- 
nent and  influential  in  all  that  goes  to  promote 
the  general  welfare. 


158 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


O.  O.  Miller,  dealer  in  Dry  and  Fancy  Goods, 
Carpets,  SLades,  etc.  Atlantic  Square. — It  will 
probably  seem  a  work  of  supererogation  almost 
to  Stamford  readers  to  call  to  tbeir  attention  tbe 
house  of  C.  O.  Miller,  but  as  no  mention  how- 
ever biief  of  the  city's  representative  firms  would 
be  complete  were  not  this  universally  known  es- 
tablishment alluded  to  no  apology  is  necessary 
for  so  doing,  but  rather  because  our  space  is  so 
limited  as  to  render  little  more  than  a  mention 
possible.  Mr.  Miller  founded  his  business  in 
1868,  or  nearly  a  score  of  years  ago,  and  it  is 
not  too  much  to  say  that  it  gained  at  once  the 
favor  of  the  public  and  constantly  and  steadily 
increased  in  extent  and  importance  until  it  now 
stands  without  a  rival.  A  handsome  building 
located  in  Atlantic  square  is  occupied,  35x150 
feet  in  dimensions.  The  store  is  elegantly  fitted 
up  and  contains  among  other  conveniences  de- 
signed to  facilitate  trade  and  better  accommodate 
the  customers  a  thorough  system  of  cash  rail- 
way of  the  most  approved  type.  Employment  is 
given  to  from  fifteen  to  twenty  courteous,  effi- 
cient, and  attentive  clerks  and  the  humblest  cus- 
tomer is  assured  polite  and  speedy  service  and 
fair,  equitable  treatment.  Dry  and  Fancy  Goods, 
Carpets,  Shades,  etc.,  in  stock  iu  almost  innumer- 
able variety  and  all  prices  will  be  found  as  low 
as  the  lowest.  Notions  and  Trimmings  a  spe- 
cialty. There  is  no  necessity  of  going  to  New 
York  for  any  lines  belonging  to  the  Dry  Goods 
trade,  as  Mr.  C.  O.  Miller  keeps  on  hand  every- 
thing in  the  Dry  and  Fancy  Goods  trade,  from  a 
silk  dress  to  a  pocket  handkerchief,  and  in  addi- 
tion an  immense  stock  of  Carpets,  Window 
Shades,  etc.,  Mr.  Miller  is  enabled  to  offer  ad- 
vantages in  the  way  of  prices  which  cannot  be 
given  by  New  York  dealers  with  expensive  rents 
and  other  expenses.  If  ladies  would  calculate 
the  expenses  of  a  tiresome  journey  to  another 
city  in  search  of  so  called  "bargains"  they  can  by 
remaining  at  home  and  purchasing  their  goods 
at  a  reliable  low-priced  Stamford  establishment 
(as  for  instance  the  store  of  Mr.  C.  O.  Miller), 
obtain  the  same  low  prices. 

Mr.  Miller  is  a  native  of  Bedford,  New  York, 
and  is  no  less  highly  regarded  in  a  social  way 
than  he  is  in  business  affairs,  beyond  which 
praise  cannot  go. 

Stamford  Foundry  Co.,  3Ianufacturers  of 
Stoves,  Ranges,  Warm  Air  Furnaces,  Castings, 
etc.,  Canal  near  Pacific. — Among  the  valuable 
enterprises  of  this  city  the  Stamford  Foundry 
Co.  is  noteworthy,  and  as  a  representative  indus- 
try of  its  class,  deserves  special  mention. 

This  business  was  established  by  Messrs.  J.  D. 
Warren  &  Co.  in  1850,  and  was  incorporated  as 
a  stock  company  in  1869,  with  the  following  offi- 
cers: J.  D.  Warren,  president  and  treasurer;  J. 
J.  Warren,  secretary;  and  J.  D.  Warren,  I. Ward- 
well,  J.  J.  Warren,  directors. 

They  occupy  for  business  purposes  one  large 
three-story  building  and  two  other  large  build- 
ings. These  are  fitted  up  with  all  the  necessary 
machinery  for  the  manufacture  of  their  goods,  a 
thirty  horse-power  steam  engine  furnishing  the 
motive  power. 

They  manufacture  chiefly,  Stoves  and  Fur- 
naces, also  Castings,  etc.  They  have  every 
modern  appliance  necessary  for  the  production 


of  the  most  perfect  work  in  this  line,  and  furnish 
employment  to  eighty  skilled  workmen. 

All  members  of  the  company  are  natives  of 
Stamford  and  are  highly  esteemed  throughout 
the  community.  Mr.  J.  D.  Warren  has  been  a 
member  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  Con- 
necticut, and  has  held  several  minor  offices  in  his 
native  town. 

With  a  good  business  location,  capacity  of  a 
high  order,  a  long  practical  experience,  and  all 
the  necessary  requisites  of  the  trade,  this  house 
may  be  depended  upon  to  faithfully  execute  all 
contracts  entrusted  to  them,  and  to  furnish  honest 
and  reliable  goods  in  their  line. 

H.  A.  Hubbard,  Real  Estate  Agent,  8  Park 
Row. — Among  the  prominent  Real  Estate  brok- 
ers of  Stamford  may  be  mentioned  Mr.  H.  A. 
Hubbard,  who  has  an  office  at  No.  8  Park  Row, 
five  minutes  walk  from  Stamford  depot,  horse 
cars  passing  to  and  from  the  depot  every  five 
minutes.  Mr.  Hubbard's  business  is  Real  Es- 
tate and  Insurance,  also  Auctioneer. 

His  business  was  established  by  him  in  1875 
and  has  assumed  large  proportions,  mainly 
through  strict  attention  given  to  all  matters  of 
business  entrusted  to  his  care,  judicious  manage- 
ment and  strict  integrity  in  all  his  dealings. 
Pursuant  to  this  method  of  procedure,  he  has 
won  and  retains  the  confidence  of  a  host  of  pat- 
rons, a  large  number  of  whom  are  non-residents, 
who  have  made  investments  in  this  city  through 
correspondence  with  him. 

In  the  Insurance  business  he  represents  several 
well  known  companies,  among  which  are  the 
following:  Williamsburg  City,  Commercial 
Union,  Merchants  of  New  York,  Glens  Falls, 
Dutchess  County  Mutual  and  New  York  Life  In- 
surance. These  companies  are  too  well  known 
throughout  the  country  for  us  to  enter  into  any 
detailed  account  of  them. 

Mr.  Hubbard  is  a  native  of  New  Rochelle, 
New  York,  but  has  been  resident  in  Stamford 
thirty  years,  and  was  for  twenty  years  the  lead- 
ing Dry  Goods  dealer  of  Stamford,  and  enjoys 
the  confidence  of  a  large  acquaintance  throughout 
Fairfield  County. 

Parties  desiring  to  dispose  of  their  property,  or 
those  desiring  to  purchase,  will  find  it  to  their  in- 
terest to  communicate  with  him.  He  employs 
three  polite  and  attentive  assistants,  and  all  are 
treated  in  a  courteous  manner. 

A.  G.  Weed,  Dealer  in  Fine  Groceries,  Wines, 
Teas,  etc.,  corner  Atlantic  Street  and  Park  Row. 
— In  compiling  the  various  industries  of  Stam- 
ford, the  retait  grocery  trade  assumes  a  decided 
importance.  Among  those  who  supply  fresh 
groceries  is  the  house  of  A.  G.  Weed. 

His  store  is  located  at  the  corner  of  Atlantic 
street  and  Park  Row,  and  is  well  stocked  with 
Staple  and  Fancy  Groceries,  Country  Produce, 
Wiues,  Teas,  etc. 

The  business  was  established  in  1861  by  Weed 
Bros.,  being  under  the  present  management  the 
past  six  years.  The  store  is  20x60  feet  in  dimen- 
sions and  is  admirably  arranged  for  the  extensive 
business  transacted.  Three  clerks  are  employed 
who  wait  upon  customers  in  a  polite  and  atten- 
tive manner,  and  all  goods  are  delivered  prompt- 
ly if  desired.     This  is  one  of,  if  not  the  oldest  es- 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


159 


tablishment   in  its  line  in  Stamford,  and  is  cer- 
tainly one  of  its  most  attractive  stores. 

Mr.  A.  G.  Weed  is  a  native  of  New  York  and 
holds  a  responsible  position  as  one  of  the  direct- 
ors of  the  Stamford  National  Bank.  He  is  well 
and  favorably  known  throughout  the  community, 
and  numbers  his  friends  by  the  score.  Goods 
are  sold  in  large  or  small  quantities  to  suit  pur- 
chasers, and  the  prices  will  be  found  as  reasona- 
ble as  any  in  town,  for  the  same  quality  of 
goods. 

W.  P.  Hurlbutt  &  Son,  Merchant  Tailors, 
Manufacturers  of  Clothing,  Gents'  Furnishing 
Goods,  88  Main  Street. — Established  thirty  years 
ago  this  is  one  of  the  most  popular  as  well  as  largest 
merchant  tailoring  establishment  in  Stamford. 
It  was  originally  founded  by  L.  H.    Hurlbutt 


about  time  of  the  War;  then  W.  P.  &  L.  H. 
Hurlbutt;  then  J.  W.  &  W.  P.  Hurlbutt;  then 
W.  P.  Hurlbutt  &  Weed,  and  present  W.  P. 
Hurlbutt  &  Son,  firm  from  1886.  It  is  located 
at  No.  88  Main  street,  one  of  the  most  flourish- 
ing streets  in  the  city,  and  comprises  a  store 
36x61  feet  in  dimensions,  it  being  universally 
considered  as  the  oldest  and  finest  in  town. 

The  custom  department  is  first-class  in  everjT 
respect,  and  is  patronized  by  Stamford's  leading 
citizens — a  fine  stock  of  goods,  including  Broad- 
cloths, Cheviots,  Cassimeres,  Diagonals  and 
Suitings  of  the  latest  designs  are  kept  in  stock, 
and  a  full  line  of  Gentlemen's  Furnishing  Goods 
at  most  reasonable  prices  and  in  latest  styles. 

The  department  for  the  manufacture  of  Cloth- 
ing is  complete  in  every  detail,  and  all  goods 
will  be  found  exactly  as  represented. 

Fifteen  skilled  hands  are  employed  in  the 
several  departments,  each  being  thoroughly 
versed  in  his  line. 

The  Messrs.  W.  P.  &  Geo.  J.  Hurlbutt  are  both 
natives  of  Stamford,  and  highly  esteemed 
throughout  this  section,  not  only  socially,  but  in 
a  business  way  also. 

D.  H.  Clark,  Real  Estate,  Insurance,  Auc- 
tioneer, 41  Atlantic  Square. — Of  all  the  wonder- 
ful outcomes  of  modern  civilization,  few  are 
more  striking  and  impressive  to  a  reflective  mind 
than  the  many  great  insurance  corporations, 
which  are  practically  incarnations  of  the  grand 
laws  of  average. 


In  a  study  of  these  organizations,  nothing  is 
discovered  more  admirable  than  the  way  in 
which  they  reach  the  public  by  means  of  agents 
all  over  the  world,  and  among  these  agents  in 
the  Eastern  States,  few  have  been  more  success- 
ful than  has  Mr.  I).  H.  Clark,  during  his  twenty- 
seven  years  experience  in  that  capacity.  Mr. 
Clark's  office  is  centrally  located  on  Main  street, 
aud  some  idea  of  the  magnitude  of  his  business 
may  be  gained  by  a  mention  of  some  of  the 
companies  which  he  represents,  following:  ^Etua, 
Phoenix,  Hartford,  National,  Orient  Fire  Insur- 
ance Companies,  of  Hartford ;  Meriden,  of 
Meriden;  Home,  Continental  and  Citizens',  of 
New  York;  Franklin,  of  Philadelphia.  Pa.; 
Providence,  of  Providence,  II.  I.,  and  Lanca- 
shire and  Lion,  of  England;  and  we  must  not 
forget  to  mention  the  Lloyd's  Plate  Glass  In- 
surance Company,  which  fills  so  important  a 
position  in  these  days  of  great  show-windows. 
Mr.  Clark's  rates  are  low  and  it  will  be  found  to 
the  advantage  of  our  readers  to  give  him  a  call 
when  seeking  insurance. 

A  very  extensive  Real  Estate  Business  is  also 
carried  on,  as  well  as  that  of  an  Auctioneer  and 
Appraiser. 

Mr.  Clark  was  born  in  this  city,  and  what  he 
does  not  know  about  Stamford's  Real  Estate  and 
business  interests  is  hardly  worthy  of  mention. 

Stamford  Savings  Bank,  Cor.  Main  and 
Bank  Streets. — By  fostering  a  spirit  of  economy 
and  thrift,  in  offering  opportunities  for  safe  and 
profitable  investment  of  earnings,  Savings  Banks 
whose  affairs  are  honestly  and  ably  conducted 
have  accomplished  a  work  of  great  beneficence. 
In  this  regard  Stamford  is  exceptionally  fortun- 
ate. For  many  years  it  has  boasted  one  of  the 
best  managed  Savings  institutions  in  1he  State. 

The  Stamford  Savings  Bank  was  incorporated 
in  1851,  and  has  accomplished  a  mission  of  emi- 
nent usefulness,  and  its  career  from  the  begin- 
ning has  been  one  of  uninterrupted  and  gratify- 
ing success. 

The  assets  at  close  of  last  fiscal  year  amounted 
to  $2,038,952.70,  with  a  large  surplus  sufficient 
to  cover  any  possible  fluctuation  in  values  of 
real  estate  or  securities  in  which  its  money  is 
invested. 

The  business  is  managed  with  consummate 
ability  and  prudence,  and  the  worth  and  stand- 
ing of  the  officers  and  directors  insure  the  future 
prosperity  of  the  institution  and  justify  the  faith 
of  its  patrons. 

The  officers  of  the  Bank  are  as  follows:  Presi- 
dent, Geo.  II.  Hoyt;  Vice-President,  Chas.  A. 
Hawley;  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  A.  A.  Holty; 
Assistant  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  Franklin 
Miller;  Auditors,  John  B.  Reed,  Jr.,  and  Walter 
D.  Daskam;  Directors,  J.  B.  Reed,  Theo.  Leeds, 
W.  W.  Skiddy,  Wm.  H.  Judd,  Franklin  Miller, 
Stephen  E.  Reed,  Wm.  L.  Morsell,  Alb.  G. 
Weed,  Amos  M.  Brush. 

The  President,  Mr.  Geo.  H.  Hoyt,  is  Vice- 
President  of  the  Stamford  National  Bank,  and 
Treasurer  of  the  Stamford  Water  Company. 
Mr.  Hawley,  the  Vice-President,  is  one  of  the 
efficient  Burgesses  of  the  borough  of  Stamford. 
Mr.  John  B.  Reed,  Jr.,  one  of  the  Auditors,  is 
Cashier  of  the  Stamford  National  Bank,  and  Mr. 
Skiddy  is  a  Director  of  that  institution. 


160 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


Stark  &  Wilson,  Successors  to  J.  L.  Lockwood 
&  Co.,  Dealers  in  Stoves,  Ranges,  Heaters,  and  a  j 
full  assortment  of  Housekeeping  Goods,  Sanitary 
Plumbing  a  Specialty.     Gas  and  Steam   Fitting. 
All  kinds  of  Tin    and    Sheet    Iron    Work.     All! 
Work  Done  in  the  Best    Manner.     No.  108  Main  I 
Street. — For  three  years  past  as  successors  to  J.  i 
L.  Lockwood  &  Co.,  who  established   the  busi- j 
ness  here  over  forty  years  ago,  Messrs.    Stark  & 
Wilson  have  successfully  conducted  a  large  trade 
as  dealers  in  Stoves,  Ranges,  etc.,  and  as  Plumb-  j 
ers,  Gas  and   Steam  Fitters,  and  their  establish- 
ment at  108  Main  st.  is  now  as  it  has  long  been,  the 
leading  enterprise  of  its  kind  in  the  place.     The 
premises  occupied  by  this  successful  firm   com- 
prise three  floors  of  a  large  and  substantial  build- 
ing 30x90  feet  in  dimensions,  admirably  arranged 
for  display    and  selection  of  merchandise,  and 
the  stock  in  trade  is  full   and  sufficiently  varied 
to  meet  all  demands.     It  comprises  a  very  desir- 
able assortment    of  the  best  makes  of  Stoves, 
Ranges  and  Heaters,  all  kinds  of  Housekeeping 
Goods,  Lamps,  Crockery  and  Glass    Ware,    and 
the  facilities  of  the  house  for  supplying  the  best 
merchandise  at  low  prices  are  all  that  could  be 
desired. 

About  twenty  skilled  workmen  are  employed 
by  Messrs.  Stark  &  Wilson  in  executing  all  kinds 
of  Plumbing,  Steam  and  Gas  Fitting,  the  firm 
making  a  specialty  of  sanitary  work. 

Tin  and  Sheet  Iron  work  of  every  description 
is  executed  at  short  notice,  and  workmanship  and 
prices  are  invariably  warranted  satisfactory. 

Messrs  James  Wilson  and  Arthur  R.  Stark  are 
the  individual  members  of  this  successful,  repre- 
sentative firm.  They  are  energetic,  liberal,  pro- 
gressive business  men,  and  are  accounted 
among  the  foremost  influential  ami  useful  citi 
zens. 

In  this  building  is  the  only  room  of  its  kind 
where  the  latest  improved  patterns  of  Plumbing 
works  can  be  seen  in  operation. 

Wilbur  E.  Lewis,  Druggist,  14  Atlantic 
Street,  Stamford. — It  is  with  pleasure  that  we 
call  the  attention  of  our  readers  in  particular  and 


the  public  in  general  to  the  elegant  establishment 
of  Mr.  Wilbur  E.  Lewis,  Druggist,  which  is  one 
of  the  finest  fitted  drug  stores  in  the  State.  Citi- 
zens of  Stamford  are  cordially  invited  as  visitors, 
even  if  they  do  not  wish  to  purchase  anything. 
This  well  known  establishment  was  inaugurated 
in  1878  by  Messrs.  Lewis  &  Rogers,  but  for  the 
pa«t  seven  years  it  has  been  conducted  by  Mr. 
Wilbur  C.  Lewis,  who  is  sole  proprietor,  and 
under  his  efficient  management  it  has  gained  the 
wide-spread  popularity  it  enjoys  to-day.  The 
premises  occupied  for  the  business  consist  of  a 
store  23x80  feet  in  dimensions,  which  is  elegantly 
finished  in  hard  wood  and  is  the  finest  drug 
store  in  the  city.  The  elegant  soda  fountain, 
show-cases  and  windows  are  attractive  features. 
In  the  two  latter  are  tastefully  displayed  the 
large  and  fine  stock  of  fancy  and  toilet  goods. 
Dr.  Lewis  carries  a  full  and  complete  line  of 
pure  Drugs,  Medicines  and  Druggists'  sundries. 
The  assistance  of  three  very  reliable  clerks  is  re- 
quired and  physicians'  prescriptions  and  family 
receipts  are  guaranteed  to  be  accurately  and 
carefully  prepared.  Among  the  several  manu- 
factured specialties  of  this  house  is  Elixir  Cal- 
isaya  Tooth  Powder,  a  very  popular  dentifrice. 
Dr.  Lewis  is  agent  for  Huyler's  celebrated  Bon- 
bons and  Chocolates  of  which  he  carries  a  large 
variety.  He  also  deals  extensively  in  fine  im- 
ported and  domestic  Cigars.  Mineral  Waters,  etc. 
Dr.  Wilbur  E.  Lewis  is  a  native  of  Farmington, 
Conn.,  an  enterprising  and  educated  gentleman 
who  will  endeavor  to  please  all  who  favor  him. 
with  their  patronage. 

Citizens  Saving  Bank,  First  National  Bank 
Building. — This  well  known  and  ably  conducted 
institution  was  incorporated  and  began  business 
in  1869,  and  from  its  inception  it  has  prospered 
under  good  management. 

The  deposits  during  the  past  year  averaged 
$1,000,001),  and  a  large  surplus  beyond  all  liabil- 
ities attests  the  prudence  and  financial  ability  of 
the  officers.  The  bank  offers  to  all  opportuni- 
ties for  the  safe  and  profitable  investment  of  sav- 
ings, and  the  beneficent  work  accomplished  has 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


161 


established  the  institution  in  popular  confidence. 
Tbe  officers  at  present  writing  are  as  follows: 
President,  Wells  R.  Ritch;  Vice-President,  C. 
W.  Brown;  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  H.  V. 
Riker;  Attorney,  N.  R.  Hart;  Directors,  T.  H. 
H.  Messinger,  S.  S.  Cook,  Wm.  Hoyt  and  Chas. 
Gaylor,  names  which  have  long  been  intimately 
associated  with  the  growth  ancl  prosperity  of  the 
town,  and  which  inspire  faith  in  tbe  excellent 
condition  of  the  affairs  of  the  institution. 


Stamford  Moulding  and  Planing  Mill,  White, 
Gillespie  &  Thayer,  Lumber  and  Timber  Yard 
and  Mill,  near  Knapp's  Dock,  Stamford. — A 
standard  evidence  of  a  city's  substantial  progress 
is  the  steady  development  of  its  lumber  interests. 

In  gathering  statistics  of  a  city,  we  find  in 
every  branch  of  business  certain  houses  which 
from  their  inception  have  had  a  signal  success, 
winning  the  confidence  and  admiration  of  the 
public  and  securing  an  almost  unlimited  amount 
of  patronage. 

As  in  the  present  volume  it  is  the  object  to 
present  in  an  attractive  form  the  leading  com- 
mercial and  manufacturing  pursuits  of  Fairfield 
County,  and  while  it  is  eminently  proper  that 
due  consideration  should  be  given  the  pioneer  and 
opulent  institutions  of  the  county,  it  is  also  com- 
patible with  the  nature  of  this  work  to  give  prom- 
inence to  many  houses  of  more  recent  date.  One 
of  the  most  valuable  acquisitions  to  the  com 
merce  of  the  city  of  Stamford  within  the  past 
five  years  is  the  business  of  Messrs.  White, 
Gillespie  &  Thayer,  Stamford  Moulding  and 
Planing  Mill,  Waterside  near  Knapp's  Dock. 

This  business  was  started  in  April,  1882  by 
Messrs.  C.  H.  White,  and  Wm.  W.  Gillespie,  un- 
der the  firm  name  of  C.  H.  White  &  Co.  In 
November,  1883,  Mr.  Asa  M.  Thayer  was  ad- 
mitted as  partner,  and  the  name  became  then, 
as  it  has  remained  ever  since,  White,  Gillespie  & 
Thayer. 

Since  the  establishment  of  the  business,  new 
buildings  have  been  erected,  showing  a  steady 
increase  of  trade,  and  at  present,  yards,  mills, 
etc.,  occupy  an  area  of  2%  acres.  The  main 
building  is  30x70  and  like  most  of  the  other  aux- 
iliary buildings,  two  stories  high.  Everything 
pertaining  to  the  Lumber  trade  is  furnished  by 
this  well  known  enterprising  firm,  as  House 
Trimmings  in  Pine  and  Hard  Wood,  Siding, 
Shingles,  Lath,  etc.,  etc. 

The  mills  are  equipped  with  all  the  latest  im- 
provements, as  Wood's  twelve  inch  moulders, 
considered  the  best  in  the  world. 

From  40  to  50  hands  find  steady  employment 
the  whole  year  round,  and  the  capacity  of  boiler 
and  engine  is  80  horse-power. 

Mr.  Chas.  H.  White,  the  senior  member  of  the 
firm,  is  a  native  of  Brooklyn,  X.  Y.,  and  is  thor- 
oughly conversant  with  his  business,  having  begun 
his  career  when  but  21  years  old  and  came  here 
in  1876,  was  superintendent  for  St.  John,  Hoyt 
&  Co.  six  years,  starting  this  concern,  as  above 
stated,  in  1882.  Mr.  Wm.  W.  Gillespie  has  re- 
sided in  this  city  for  many  years.  He  was 
formerly  proprietor  and  editor  of  the  Stamford 
Advocate.  In  1882  he  entered  into  this  firm  as 
partner  with  Mr.  White,  from  the  day  it  was 
started.     He  was  a  member  of  the   State  Legisla- 


ture and  has  shown  considerable  interest  in  the 
principal  business  enterprises  of  Stamford. 

Mr.  Asa  M.  Thayer,  the  junior  member  of  the 
firm,  is  by  trade  a  practical  mill  and  lumberman. 
He  became  partner  of  the  concern  in  1883,  and 
has  ever  since  had  charge  of  the  mechanical  de- 
partment. 

Since  the  establishment  of  this  enterprise  their 
success  has  been  unprecedented.  The  induce- 
ments that  are  offered  are  the  most  liberal  in 
every  respect  compared  to  other  lines,  and  their 
connections  reach  all  over  the  State  of  Connecti- 
cut, and  goods  are  shipped  directly  from  their 
wharf. 

As  a  firm  they  are  recognized  as  a  leading  one 
among  the  many  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  en- 
joying a  high  commercial  and  financial  standing, 
and  through  a  long  experience  with  every  detail 
of  their  business  and  a  high  reputation  for  in- 
tegrity and  fair  dealing,  are  justly  entitled  to  the 
confidence  and  consideration  of  the  public. 


The  Little  Paper  Store  'Round  the  Corner. 

O.  R.  Toms,  House  and  Sign  Painter,  Paper 
Hanger,  etc.,  AVall  Paper  in  great  variety.  Store 
and  shop  6  Gay  Street,  Stamford. — Not  by  any 
means  the  least  important  branch  of  industry  in 
this  city  and  one  deserving  special  recognition  is 
that  of  Wall  Papers  and  House  and  Sign  Paint- 
ing. Probably  one  of  the  oldest  established  and 
most  extensive  house  in  this  branch  of  com- 
merce in  Stamford  is  that  presided  over  by  Mr. 
C.  R.  Toms.  This  business  was  established  by 
the  present  proprietor  in  1871.  The  premises 
occupied  for  the  transaction  of  business  are  lo- 
cated at  6  Gay  street,  and  consists  of  a  store  lox 
60  feet  in  dimensions  with  a  shop  in  the  rear.  A 
very  fine  display  is  made  in  all  the  choice  and 
new  designs  in  Wall  Paper  of  both  foreign  im- 
portation and  domestic  manufacture.  And  in 
addition  to  the  sale  of  Wall  Paper,  Mr.  Toms 
does  an  extensive  business  in  House  and  Sign 
Painting  and  Paper  Hanging. 

The  extent  of  this  business  requires  the  em- 
ployment of  twenty  very  skillful  workmen, 
whose  ability  and  artistic  tastes  are  displayed  in 
the  many  productions  of  this  house. 

Mr.  Toms  is  a  native  and  highly  esteemed  citi- 
zen of  Stamford.  To  our  readers  and  especially 
the  residents  of  this  city  we  can  therefore  com- 
mend this  house  as  one  which  is  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  every  facility  to  attract  the  current  of 
legitimate  trade.  Buying  direct  from  manufac- 
turers, he  is  in  a  position  to  offer  the  most  sub- 
stantial advantages  to  bis  patrons  as  to  prices, 
quality  of  gcods  and  completeness  of  work. 


162 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


The  Stamford  Safe  Deposit  Co. — The  princi- 
ple of  security  rests  at  tbe  very  foundation  of  all 
successful  business  enterprise.  Recent  years 
have  proven  that  nothing  is  rnore  important,  as 
the  multiplicity  of  means  toward  securing  this 
end  will  testify.  With  the  extension  and  develop- 
ment of  business  activity,  the  approximation  to- 
ward absolute  security  has  been  going  on,  until 
in  our  day  the  culmination  seems  to  have  been 
nearly  arrived  at. 

The  establishment  of  such  an  institution  as  the 
Stamford  Safe  Deposit  Co.,  which  was  organized 
in  April,  1887,  marks  an  important  era  in  the 
mercantile  affairs  of  a  city.  All  the  results  and 
benefits  of  modern  science  in  this  direction  are 
brought  into  close  connection  with  the  business 
of  the  city,  and  it  would  be  hard  to  estimate  the 
various  and  important  advantages  accruing  there 
from.  No  manufacturer  or  merchant  can  afford 
to  neglect  the  privileges  which  are  assured  to  one 
who  possesses  a  secure  depository  in  such  conven- 
ient proximity  to  his  office.  That  the  value  of 
this  institution  is  highly  appreciated  by  the  busi- 
ness men  of  Stamford  is  demonstrated  by  the 
fact  that  two  hundred  and  fifty-four  safe  deposit 
boxes  have  been  erected. 

The  vaults  of  the  company  are  situated  in  the 
new  building  of  the  Stamford  Savings  Bank,  and 
the  boxes  are  rented  at  a  yearly  rate  of  from  five 
to  forty  dollars.  The  lock  doors  were  made  by 
the  Yale  Lock  Co.,  and  are  a  marvellous  piece  of 
art,  working  on  the  clock  system.  Probably  no 
mechanism  ever  invented  was  better  adapted  to 
obtain  perfect  security.  Every  detail  of  the 
management  is  admirably  fitted  to  the  purpose 
in  view. 

The  names  of  the  following  officers  are  in 
themselves  the  best  guarantee  of  fidelity:  Presi- 
dent, W.  W.  Skiddy;  treasurer,  John  B.  Reed, 
Jr.;  secretary,  Satterlee  Swartwout;  directors, 
Wm.  W.  Skiddy,  Chas.  A.  Hawley,  Geo.  H. 
Hoyt,  John  B.  Reed,  Jr.,  Walton  Ferguson, 
Samuel  Fessenden,  W.  H.  Judd,   S.  Swartwout. 

Such  a  representative  institution  as  the  Stam- 
ford Safe  Deposit  Co.  deserves  the  hearty  and 
unanimous  support  of  the  progressive  business 
men  in  this  part  of  the  State. 


Charles  Fox,  Manufacturer  of  Small  Station- 
ary and  Yacht  Engines. — By  reason  of  the  races 
for  the  "Queen's  Cup"  and  the  wonderful  per- 
formances of  the  Puritan  and  the  Mayflower, 
yachting  has  come  into  great  prominence  of  late 
years,  so  much  so,  in  fact,  as  almost  to  divide  the 
honors  with  base  ball.  But  the  careful  observer 
will  notice  that  in  spite  of  the  poetry  of  "a  wet 
sheet  and  a  flowing  sea,"  etc  ,  steam  yachts  are 
coming  more  and  more  into  use  as  their 
many  good  points  are  more  generally  appreciated. 
We  do  not  refer  to  the  palatial  craft  costing  hun- 
dreds of  thousands  of  dollar*,  but  to  the  swift 
little  launches  from  20  to  40  feet  in  length,  which 
do  not  require  the  income  of  a  whole  railway 
system  for  their  support.  Of  course  the  princi- 
pal and  most  important  thing  about  a  steam 
launch  is  its  engine,  and  this  to  be  satisfactory 
must  be  light  yet  strong,  smooth  running  and 
small,  yet  powerful,  and  simple  in  construction 
yet  economical  of  steam,  and  we  believe  that  in 
these  respects  and  many  others  the  Engines  made 


by  Mr.  Charles  Fox,  of  this  city  are  all  that  could 
be  wished. 

Mr.  Fox  began  business  nine  years  ago.  His 
shop  is  24x40  feet  and  four  hands  are  employed 
in  the  manufacture  of  small  Stationary  and  Yacht 
Engines  to  order. 

Mr.  Fox  will  build  an  Engine  to  suit  the  pecu- 
liar service  required  of  it,  and  his  work  will 
always  be  found  strictly  first  class  and  his  prices 
very  reasonable. 

He  is  a  native  of  this  city  and  a  most  skillful 
mechanic,  and  he  also  does  general  machine  work 
to  order. 

S.  C.  Ingersoll,  Proprietor  of  the  Ingersoll 
Feed  Mill,  Ingersoll  Building,  Canal  Street, 
Stamford. — In  referring  to  various  enterprises 
that  are  represented  in  this  busy  little  city 
the  "Ingersoll  Feed  Mill"  is  worthy  of 
extended  notice.  This  mill  is  located  in 
the  Ingersoll  Building  on  Canal  street,  and 
is  fully  equipped  with  all  the  latest  and  most 
approved  machinery,  propelled  by  an  eighteen 
horse-power  steam  engine.  Being  the  only  mill 
in  Stamford  they  do  an  extensive  business.  It 
also  manufactures  Grain  and  Feed  of  all  kinds 
and  deals  in  Hay  and  Straw  by  the  sheaf,  bale  or 
ton,  also  the  very  best  and  purest  grades  of  Tea 
and  Coffee.  Mr.  S.  C.  Ingersoll  established  this 
business  in  1875  as  the  Ingersoll  Mill,  and  has 
conducted  it  in  a  highly  successful  manner. 
Several  are  employed  in  these  mills  and  the  busi- 
ness is  very  extensive  of  both  a  wholesale  and  re- 
tail character.  He  has  a  large  city  trade  as  well 
as  outside  from  those  parties  who  deal  in  a  su- 
perior grade  of  Flour,  etc.  Mr.  Ingersoll  is  a 
native  of  Connecticut  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  a 
large  circle  of  friends. 

Mr.  Ingersoll  is  exclusive  agent  for  Peat  Moss 
Bedding — it  is  the  cheapest.  He  is  sole  agent 
for  Stamford  and  vicinity  of  Quinnipiac  Fertilizer. 

John  W.  Alphonse,  Dealer  in  Stationery,  Toys, 
Base  Ball  Goods,  Baby  Carriages,  Books,  Maga- 
zines, Daily  and  YVeekly  Newspapers,  Etc., 
Holiday  Goods,  Christmas  and  Easter  Cards. — 
This  popular  dealer  commenced  business  eighteen 
or  twenty  years  ago,  and  he  is  known  to  be  the 
oldest  news  dealer  in  town.  The  store  occupied 
is  centrally  located  and  covers  an  area  of  20x70 
feet  in  size,  and  contains  a  fine  assortment  of  all 
kinds  of  goods  in  this  line  of  trade,  including 
Toys,  Stationery,  Harmonicas,  Knives,  Base  Ball 
Goods  of  all  descriptions,  Fishing  Tackle,  Combs 
and  Brushes,  Toilet  Soap,  Lunch  Baskets,  Baby 
Carriages,  Pocket  Books,  and  Yankee  Notions  of 
every  description,  Books,  Magazines,  Daily  and 
Weekly  Newspapers,  etc.,  also  Holiday  Goods, 
Christmas  and  Easter  Cards  in  their  season.  The 
annual  business  transacted  is  quite  large.  Trade 
is  principally  located  in  the  city  and  vicinity. 

Mr.  Alphonse  keeps  a  fine  stock  of  the  latest 
works  on  History, Travel,  Biography  and  Fiction, 
supplemented  with  choice  Magazine  Literature. 
His  list  of  Books  is  varied  and  complete  and  is 
continually  being  added  to.  His  store  receives  a 
large  patronage,  which  the  enterprising  proprie- 
tor justly  merits. 

Mr.  Alphonse  is  well  qualified  to  push  his 
business  to  still  greater  usefulness  and  import- 
ance. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


163 


The    Yale    &     Towne     Manufacturing     Co. 

(known  prior  to  1883  as  the  Yale  Lock  Manu- 
facturing Co.),  have  conducted  with  eminent 
success,  one  of  the  principal  lock  and  hardware 
manufactories  in  the  country,  including  among 
their  many  products  the  well  known  Yale  lock, 
with  corrugated  key,  which  is  conceded  to  be 
the  most  secure  lock  made. 

The  works  at  Stamford  constitute  one  of  the 
most  extensive  and  complete  of  the  industries  of 
New  England  of  whatever  description. 

The  immense  factory  buildings  of  the  com- 
pany cover  an  area  of  nearly  three  acres,  and 
are  equipped  in  the  most  thorough  manner  with 
valuable,  improved  machinery. 

The  buildings  are  of  brick,  and  some  of  them 
are  four  and  five  stories  in  height,  as  shown  in 
cut,  with  granite  trimmings,  and  the  works 
throughout  are  a  pattern  of  completeness,  con- 
venience and  good  management. 

About  700  workmen  are  employed  in  the 
numerous  departments  of  the  work,  and  the 
quantity  of  merchandise  turned  out  daily  reaches 
a  large  aggregate. 

The  output  comprises  all  desirable  styles  and 
numerous  novel,  beautiful  and  useful  designs  in 
locks  of  every  description,  a  large  variety  of 
Builders'  and  Manufacturers'  Hardware,  Cranes, 
Weston's  Differential  Pulley  Blocks  and  other 
hoisting  machinery.  The  demand  for  the  man- 
ufactures of  the  Yale  &  Towne  Co.,  is  co-exten- 
sive with  the  limits  of  the  continent,  and  is 
rapidly  extending  to  foreign  countries.  The 
officers  of  the  company  are:  President,  H.  R. 
Towne;  Secretary,  Schuyler  Merritt;  Treasurer, 
Geo.   E.  White. 

John  McNally,  Livery  Stable,  Office  and 
Stable,  Gay  Street. — Among  the  many  business 
industries  conducted  in  Stamford  that  are  worthy 
of  notice  in  a  work  of  this  character,  and  one 
which  we  take  great  pleasure  in  mentioning,  is 
the  establishment  of  Mr.  John  McNally,  whose 
fine  large  Livery  Stables  are  located  on  Gay 
street. 

These  popular  Stables  were  established  in 
1878  by  their  present  proprietor,  and  comprise 
two  large  buildings  located  on  opposite  sides  of 
the  street,  which  are  fitted  up  in  the  most  ap- 


proved style,  having  every 
facility  for  the  care  and 
accommodation  of  sixty- 
four  horses.  The  stalls 
are  large  and  well  ven- 
tilated, and  both  build- 
ings are  light  and  airy. 

Mr.  McNally  owns 
some  of  the  finest  turn- 
outs to  be  obtained  in 
the  city,  and  Horses  and 
Carriages  are  to  let  at  all 
hours.  Hacks  supplied 
for  Weddings,  Parties  or 
Funerals  at  short  notice. 
A  fine  large  Omnibus  can 
be  obtained  for  pleasure 
parties  and  excursions. 
Horses  are  boarded  by 
the  day  or  week. 

Ten  assistants  are  con- 
stantly employed,  and  all 
horses  while  entrusted  to  the  care  of  this  estab- 
lishment receive  the  best  of  grooming  and  atten- 
tion. 

Mr.  McNally  is  a  native  of  Stamford,  and  by 
his  energy  and  natural  business  ability  he  has 
succeeded  in  making  his  establishment  the 
largest  and  most  popular  of  its  kind  in  the 
city. 

E.  S.  Holly,  Dry  Goods,  Carpets,  etc.,  2 
Park  Row. — To  fully  appreciate  all  the  advances 
which  our  modern  civilization  has  made,  it  is 
necessary  for  one  to  examine  the  collections  of 
prominent  houses  dealing  in  those  lines  of  goods, 
which  have  come  to  be  considered  necessities  of 
our  time.  Life  itself  has  come  to  wear  a  brighter 
aspect  since  art  and  science  have  united  in  mak- 
ing the  "  enjoyment  of  the  beautiful "  a  universal 
privilege. 

It  is  due  as  much,  if  not  more,  to  others  than 
to  ourselves  that  the  various  appurtenances  of 
apparel  should  be  in  taste,  and  calculated  to 
inspire  naught  but  pleasing  emotions,  while  the 
adorning  of  the  home  and  making  it  a  cosy  nest 
or  an  enduring  joy,  whose  every  influence  is 
beneficent  for  loved  ones,  comes  within  the 
range  of  the  noblest  motives  of  the  human 
heart. 

All  the  aesthetic  sensibilities  are  calculated  to 
be  awakened  and  gratified  as  one  enters  the 
store  and  inspects  the  stock  of  E.  S.  Holly,  at 
2  Park  Row.  A  large  assortment  of  Dry  Goods, 
Carpets  and  similar  commodities  offers  to  a 
discriminating  purchaser  an  exceptional  oppor- 
tunity for  obtaining  that  real  boon — satisfaction. 
The  extensive  variety  makes  it  possible  to  select 
the  desired  articles  at  a  moderate  outlay. 

Although  the  present  business  was  established 
in  May  of  this  year  (1887),  so  far  from  having  a 
reputation  to  make  it  is  already  made.  Mr. 
E.  S.  Holly  succeeds  to  established  custom  and 
good-will  of  the  veteran  house,  Hubbard  & 
Holly,  widely  and  favorably  known  for  a  gen- 
eration past.  A  handsomely  fitted  up  salesroom, 
thirty  feet  by  one  hundred,  makes  a  fitting 
depository  for  the  valuable  stock  of  the  house. 
All  who  desire  to  examine  their  goods  may  be 
assured  of  receiving  the  most  courteous  attention, 
and  low  prices. 


164 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


THE    INGERSOLL   MFG.  CO.,  MACHINISTS   AND   JOBBERS,    MANUFACTURERS 

OF  THE  INGERSOLL  EXCELSIOR  ROCK  DRILL,  AND  OTHER 

SPECIALTIES,    CANAL  STREET,    STAMFORD. 


Union  House. — That  America  has  by  far  the 
best  and  most  comfortable  hotels  in  the  world 
has  been  so  universally  admitted  by  travelers  of 
all  nationalties  that  argument  in  its  confirmation 
is  superfluous.  We  believe  tbat  there  are  few  in- 
telligent travelers  who  have  passed  a  day  or  two 
at  the  Union  House  of  Stamford,  under  its  pres- 
ent management  who  will  not  pronounce  it  fully 
equal  to  other  houses  of  its  size  in  the  country. 

Messrs.  F.  L.  Carter  and  Jas.  Connor  are  the 
proprietors ;  they  are  both  gentlemen  of  experi- 
ence, fully  understanding  the  wants  of  the  public. 
This  house  is  an  old  and  popular  one,  having 
been  opened  many  years  ago  as  a  hotel. 

The  house  is  a  three-story  and  basement  struc- 
ture and  is  supplied  with  all  modern  conveniences 


and  is  conducted  under  a  system  which  leaves  no 
room  for  improvement;  a  large  force  of  assistants 
being  employed.  It  has  ample  and  very  comfort- 
able accommodations  for  sixty  guests,  who  will 
find  every  comfort  and  attention  within  its  doors. 
The  tables  are  supplied  with  the  very  best  the 
market  affords.  The  proprietors  are  genial  and 
accommodating  gentlemen,  with  whom  it  is  a 
pleasure  to  meet  and  deal,  and  who  have  made 
the  Union  House  first-class  in  every  respect. 
The  house  is  run  on  the  American  plan  and  we 
take  pleasure  in  recommending  all  visitors  to  this 
city,  either  on  pleasure  or  business,  to  stop  at 
the  Union,  where  we  aesure  them  they  will  re- 
ceive all  the  attention  and  comfort  that  can  be  had 
at  a  first-class  hotel. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD 


165 


Geo.  D.  Hoyt,  Carpenter  and  Builder,  Eleva- 
tions, Plans,  and  Specifications  Made  on  Short 
Notice.  Estimates  Furnished  and  Contracts 
Made.  Shop,  Pacific  corner  Canal  Street,  Resi- 
dence No.  5  Bedford  Street.— This  enterprising 
gentleman  succeeded  to  this  business  in  1872,  it 
having  been  founded  one  year  previous  by  Messrs. 
Waterbury  &  Hoyt.  He  is  prepared  to  make 
elevations,  plans  and  specifications  on  short  no- 
tice; estimates  are  also  furnished  and  contracts 
made  for  all  jobs,  either  in  or  out  of  Stamford. 
He  is  a  practical,  experienced  and  well  informed 
gentleman,  who  is  fair  in  his  dealings  and  honor- 
able in  business  conduct,  as  well  as  prompt  aud 
faithful  in  keeping  his  contracts  to  the  letter. 
We  can  cheerfully  commend  him  to  the  readers 
of  this  volume  as  being  competent  and  efficient, 
as  well  as  reasonable  in  his  charges. 

He  employs  a  large  number  of  skilled  work- 
men, and  all  work  will  be  done  in  a  satisfactory 
manner. 

Mr.  Hoyt  is  a  native  of  Stamford,  where  he  is 
recognized  as  a  first  class  workman  in  every  par- 
ticular. He  answers  all  correspondence  prompt- 
ly and  business  entrusted  to  him  will  receive 
prompt  atiention  and  be  performed  in  a  work- 
manlike manner. 

His  office  is  at  the  corner  of  Pacific  and  Canal 
streets,  where  application  should  be  made  in  per- 
son or  by  letter.  Here  he  occupies  two  floors 
60x36  feet  in  dimensions,  well  arranged  for  the 
business. 

All  kinds  of  jobbing  will  be  executed  in  a  sat 
isfactory  manner.  Mr.  Hoyt  may  also  be  com- 
municated with  by  telephone. 


Lyman  Hoyt  &  Son,  Dealers  in  all  kinds  of 
Furniture,  Engravings  and  Etchings,  Bric-a- 
Brac.  etc.,  Atlantic  Square. — A  business  estab- 
lished for  half  a  century  would  seem  to  be  so 
well  known  to  the  public  as  to  render  any  men- 
tion of  it  in  public  print,  an  act  of  supereroga- 
tion, but  as  this  work  aims  to  give  a  comprehen- 
sive account  of  the  business  interests  of  Stam- 
ford, it  would  be  strangely  incomplete  if  mention 
was  not  made  of  so  representative  and  successful 
a  house  as  that  of  Lyman  Hoyt  &  Son. 

Bu-iness  was  inaugurated  by  Mr.  Lyman  Hoyt 
in  1837,  so  that  it  will  be  seen  that  a  full  half 
century  of  existence  has  just  been  completed,  dur- 
ing which  time  this  establishment  has  taken  a 
place  as  one  of  the  institutions  of  Stamford. 

The  firm  name  and  title  from  1837  to  1871 
was  Lyman  Hoyt,  and  from  1871  to  1880  was 
Lyman  Hoyt  &  Sons,  when  Joseph  A.  Hoyt,  one 
of  the  sons  and  partner,  died.  Since  then  it  has 
been  Lyman  Hoyt  &  Son. 

All  kinds  of  Furniture  are  dealt  in,  including 
art  productions  of  great  beauty,  as  well  as  a  full 
assortment  of  the  common  grades.  Engravings, 
Etchings  and  Brie  a  Brae  are  also  extensively 
handled,  and  a  most  beautiful  collection  is  at 
hand  to  select  from. 

A  fine  brick  building  four  stories  in  height  and 
measuring  30x100  feet  is  occupied,  and  is  found 
none  too  spacious  to  accommodate  the  firm's  in- 
creasing trade. 

Mr.  Lyman  Hoyt  is  a  native  of  Stamford,  and 
Mr.  Chas.  L.  Hoyt  was  born  in  Monroe,  New 
York  State. 


George  R.  Faucett,  Manufacturer  and  Dealer 
in  Harness,  Whips,  Robes,  Trunks,  Valises,  Bags. 
—  We  beg  to  call  attention  to  the  enterprise  of  Mr. 
Geo.  R.  Faucett,  manufacturer  and  dealer  in 
Harness,  Whips,  Robes,  etc.,  whose  store  and 
shop  is  located  at  No.  114  Main  street,  in  the 
Union  House  Block. 

This  gentleman  established  his  business  four 
years  ago,  and  has  conducted  it  with  uninter- 
rupted success  from  the  start. 

The  premises  occupied  cover  an  area  of  24x60 
feet,  and  consist  of  a  well  arranged  store  with  a 
shop  in  the  rear.  A  number  of  skilled  workmen 
are  employed  and  a  very  large  and  lucrative  trade 
is  transacted,  extending  throughout  Stamford 
and  vicinity.  Mr.  Faucett  manufactures  Harness 
and  Horse  Furnishing  Goods  of  every  description, 
and  is  prepared  to  fill  orders  at  the  shortest  pos- 
sible notice.  He  also  carries  one  of  the  finest 
stocks  of  Harness,  Whips,  Robes,  Blankets, 
Soap,  Oil,  Curry  Combs,  Brushes,  Trunks,  Val- 
ises, Bags,  etc.,  in  town,  and  at  most  reasonable 
prices.  He  also  makes  a  specialty  of  repairing 
Trunks  in  a  neat  and  highly  satisfactory  manner. 

Mr.  Faucett  is  well  known  throughout  Stam- 
ford, and  is  a  gentleman  of  energy  and  ability, 
well  experienced  in  his  business  and  one  with 
whom  it  is  a  pleasure  to  deal.  He  is  also  jobber 
in  Harness  and  Saddlery  Goods.  Full  supply  of 
Whipsocketsand  Carriage  Aprons,  etc.,  is  carried. 

Gillespie  Brothers,  Printers  and  Book-Binders. 
Proprietors  of  the  Stamford  Advocate,  Estab- 
lished 1829.  Advocate  Place. — This  is  one  of  the 
most  thoroughly  equipped  printing  houses  in 
this  section,  and  the  large  patronage  it  receives 
is  readily  accounted  for  by  the  excellent  charac- 
ter of  its  work. 

The  business  was  started  in  1829,  by  Wm.  H. 
Holly,  succeeded  in  1883  by  the  present  manage- 
ment, Gillespie  Brothers. 

The  machinery  is  of  the  most  improved  kinds 
known,  and  is  run  by  steam  power. 

It  requires  ten  skilled  hands  to  keep  pace  with 
the  demands  made  upon  the  establishment. 
They  do  all  kinds  of  Bank,  Job  and  Commercial 
Printing,  and  have  a  very  large  variety  of  plain, 
fancy  and  ornamental  type,  embracing  all  the 
latest  and  most  approved  s'yles;  and  every  kind 
and  variety  of  work  can  be  done  here.  They  are 
also  manufacturing  stationers  and  wholesale  and 
retail  dealers  in  stationery,  etc. 

Their  Printing  establishment  is  located  in 
Advocate  place,  where  they  occupy  two  floors 
90x40  feet  in  dimensions.  They  have  also  in 
connection  with  this  a  Book-Binding  Department, 
where  work  is  done  promptly  and  in  a  satisfac- 
tory manner. 

The  individual  members  of  the  firm  are  Messrs. 
R.  H.  and  E.  T.  W.  Gillespie,  both  of  whom 
have  been  connected  with  the  concern  for  many 
years.  They  are  thoroughly  experienced  gentle- 
men in  all  the  details  of  their  business  They  are 
also  the  proprietors  of  the  Stanford  Adv  cate, 
Stamford's  oldest  newspaper,  having  been  estab- 
lished in  1829.  In  prices  this  firm  a  e  able  to 
duplicate  any  that  can  be  given  elsewhere. 

We  can  safely  assure  our  readers  that  in  corres- 
ponding and  doing  business  with  this  firm  they 
will  meet  with  a  prompt  response  and  find  deal- 
ing with  them  both  pleasant  and  profitable. 


166 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


Temple  of  Music,  J.  H.  Christie,  Manager. — 
Connecticut  possesses  many  establishments  en- 
gaged in  this  line  of  trade,  but  none  are  more 
deserving  of  recognition  and  prominent  consider- 
ation in  the  present  volume  than  that  of  Mr.  J. 
H.  Christie,  whose  extensive  establishment,  bet- 
ter known  as  the  "Temple  of  Music, "is  centrally 
located  at  No.  1  Bedford  street. 

This  house  was  founded  four  years  ago  by  the 
present  manager,  and  has,  owing  to  his  honorable 
business  policy,  pursued  an  uninterrupted  career 
of  prosperity,  and  now  ranks  among  the  leading 
houses  in  the  State,  engaged  in  this  line  of  com- 
merce. The  premises  occupied  by  him  are  com- 
modious and  elegant,  consisting  of  three  floors 
60x30  feet  in  dimensions.  He  carries  a  full  line 
of  Pianos,  Organs,  Musical  Instruments  of  every 
description,  and  Musical  merchandise.  This  is 
the  depot  for  Eastern  trade  of  the  celebrated  and 
renowned  Baus  &  Co.'s  Pianos,  and  Mr.  Christie 
ships  these  instruments  to  all  parts  of  New  En 
gland.  He  is  also  agent  for  Wilcox  &  White 
Organs.  The  demand  for  the  above  named  in- 
struments has  been  such  as  to  give  him  an  exten- 
sive trade. 

No  personal  comments  as  regards  Mr.  Christie 
are  necessary,  as  he  is  one  of  Stamford's  esteemed 
citizens. 

Smart,  Patterson  &  Rice,  Successors  to  T.  B. 
Smart,  Manufacturers  of  Straw  Goods,  613 
Broadway,  New  York.  Factory  at  Stamford, 
Ct. — Prominent  among  the  manufacturing  indus- 
tries of  which  Stamford  abounds  we  would  call 
the  attention  of  our  readers  to  the  mammoth  es- 
tablishment of  Smart,  Patterson  &  Rice  whose 
warerooms  are  located  at  No.  613  Broadway, 
New  York,  and  whose  factory  is  at  the  corner  of 
Pacific  and  Walnut  streets,  Stamford. 

This  business  was  established  in  1881  by  Mr. 
H.  K.  White,  and  after  several  changes  came 
under  the  control  of  the  present  management  in 
1886.     The  premises  occupied  for  manufacturing 


purposes  consist  of  a  three-story  building 
240x60  feet  in  dimensions,  fitted  up  with  the 
most  modern  machinery  used  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  their  goods,  propelled  by  a  25  horse- 
power steam  engine.  They  employ  250  skilled 
hands,  and  an  immense  business  is  done. 
They  manufacture  all  kinds  of  ladies',  misses' 
and  children's  Straw  Hats  and  Bonnets,  and 
their  prices  are  as  reasonable  as  any  in  the 
market. 

The  individual  members  of  the  firm  are 
Messrs.  T.  B.  Smart,  J.  H.  Patterson  and  W. 
B.  Rice.  Mr.  Smart  is  a  native  of  Rhode  Is- 
land, Mr.  Patterson  of  Canada  and  Mr.  Rice 
of  Westboro,  Mass. 

All  these  gentlemen  are  highly  experienced, 
having  all  from  boyhood  worked  in  the  same 
business,  and  well  merit  the  success  they  have 
achieved  throughout  the  country,  shipping 
goods  direct  all  over  the  country  from  the  Atlan- 
tic to  the  Pacific  Oceans. 

We  take  pleasure  in  commending  a  house 
of  this  standing  to  our  many  readers  at  home 
and  abroad. 

Stamford  Hosiery  and  Suspender  Co. — One 
of  the  many  large  and  celebrated  manufac- 
tures of  Connecticut  is  the  Stamford  Hosiery 
and  Suspender  Co.,  located  at  Stauiford.  This 
is  a  very  old  concern ;  it  started  in  1860  as  the 
Charlestown  "Web  and  Suspender  Co.,  Boston, 
Mass.,  after  ten  years  business  they  were  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Waverly  Suspender  Co.,  who  were 
in  turn  succeeded  by  the  Mt.  Vernon  Suspender 
Co.,  the  latter  organized  in  1877,  with  Mr.  Mar- 
tin Lippmann,  of  New  York,  as  President,  and 
owner.  In  1883  they  purchased  the  great  pottery 
building,  on  the  waterside  of  Stamford,  and 
entirely  remodeled  it,  making  it  the  best  adapted 
building  in  the  State  for  the  manufacture  of  sus- 
penders; the  best  of  light  and  very  high  ceilings 
are  necessary  for  the  looms. 

From  1884  to  1886  they  closed  down  on  account 
of  illness  of  Mr.  Lippmann,  which  necessitated 
his  complete  rest  and  change.  For  nearly  two 
years  Mr.  Lippmann  travelled  over  Europe,  and 
from  observation  found  that  our  manufactures 
were  far  ahead  of  those  abroad. 

On  his  return  in  1886  the  firm  was  again 
changed  to  its  present  title.  New  and  improved 
machinery  was  added,  they  having  decided  to 
make  a  specialty  of  low-priced  suspenders.  How 
successful  they  have  been  will  be  shown,  when 
they  sell  thousands  of  dozens  of  their  Suspenders 
to  other  manufacturing  concerns  in  New  York 
and  elsewhere. 

In  their  Suspender  department  they  employ 
about  one  hundred  hands,  each  suspender  passing 
through  about  twenty-five  hands. 

Their  manufacture  of  gentlemen's  Seamless 
Hosiery  is  the  largest  part  of  their  business,  and 
one  of  the  most  interesting. 

They  make  their  Hosiery  on  the  widely  cele- 
brated Lamb  Knitting  Machines,  which  are  en- 
tirely operated  by  boys  and  girls,  whose  ages 
average  fourteen  to  twenty,  the  work  requiring 
nimble  fingers.  A  smart  knitter  can  make  five 
to  six  dozen  per  day. 

From  the  knitting  machine  the  Stockings  are 
sent  to  the  finishing  room,  where  they  are  care- 
fully    examined     for    imperfections,     pressed, 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


161 


stamped  and  labelled  and  boxed.  Anyone  who 
has  ever  worn  the  Stamford  Sock  will  not  wear 
any  other.  They  are  perfect  fitting;  no  seams, 
and  fa9t  colors. 

They  manufacture  and  ship  to  their  selling 
agents  in  New  York  on  an  average  of  500  dozen 
per  day;  furnishing  employment  to  over  100  in 
Stamford,  and  over  400  at  their  Westchester  fac- 
tory.    A  visit  will  repay  anyone  the  time. 

Stamford  National  Bank,  Main  Street  near 
Atlantic,  Stamford. — With  but  one  exception 
this  is  the  oldest  financial  institution  in  Stamford, 
and  for  half  a  century  the  bank  has  exerted  a 
most  potent  influence  for  the  general  good  of  the 
business  men  of  this  section.  The  bank  was  or- 
ganized under  State  laws  in  1834,  and  was  reor- 
ganized as  a  National  Bank  in  1865.  It  has  a 
capital  stock  of  $202,020,  and  a  large  surplus, 
and  the  volume  of  its  business,  home  and  foreign 
has  attained  large  proportions.  The  manage- 
ment of  the  affairs  of  the  bank  has  always  been 
confided  to  the  hands  of  financiers,  ably  qualified 
for  the  discharge  of  their  trust,  and  the  status  of 
the  institution  warrants  the  fullest  confidence. 
The  liberal  policy  and  prudence  of  the  officers 
have  made  this  bank  one  of  the  most  solid  and 
popular  concerns  in  the  State,  audits  future  gives 
promise  of  still  greater  prosperity  and  increased 
usefulness. 

The  officers  of  the  bank  are  as  follows:  Presi- 
dent, Chas  A.  Hawley;  Vice  President,  Geo.  H. 
Hoyt;  Cashier,  John  B.  Reed,  Jr. ;  Walter  D.  Das- 
kam,  and  Messrs.  Wm.  T.  Minor,  Hon.  John 
Clason,  Walton  Ferguson,  Chas.  M.  Holly,  Wm. 
M.  Skiddy,  Samuel  Fessenden  and  Chas.  W. 
Minor,  with  the  officers  above  named  constitute 
the  Board  of  Divectors. 

This  list  includes  the  names  of  some  of  Stam- 
ford's principal  manufacturers  and  representative 
merchants  and  financiers.  The  President  is  di- 
rector of  the  Stamford  Savings  Bank  and  one 
of  the  burgesses  of  the  borough,  and  Mr.  Skiddy 
is  also  a  director  of  the  savings  bank  named. 

Waterbury  &  Macdonald,  Clothiers  and  Gents' 
Furnishers,  41  Atlantic  Street. — In  buying  cloth- 
ing, or  in  fact  many  of  the  other  necessities  of 
life,  much  has  to  be  taken  on  trust  even  by  the 
most  skilled  and  cautious  purchaser,  for  it  is 
manifestly  practically  impossible  to  rip  a  coat  to 
pieces  in  order  to  examine  into  the  details  of  its 
construction  and  finish,  and  in  no  other  way  can 
a  really  adequate  idea  of  the  worth  of  the  gar- 
ment be  obtained.  So  it  is  that  it  is  the  truest 
economy  to  deal  only  with  established  and  well 
known  houses, and  one  of  the  highest  regarded  in 
"the  clothing  line  in  this  city  is  that  of  Waterbury 
&  Macdonald,  whose  place  of  business  is  at  No. 
41  Atlantic  street. 

This  enterprise  was  started  in  1876  by  J.  W. 
Hurlburt  &  Co.  A  firm  of  which  the  senior 
partner  of  the  present  house  was  a  member. 
Waterbury  &  Macdonald  came  into  possession 
•six  years  ago,  and  have  met  with  great  success 
in  extending  and  enlarging  the  trade  of  the  estab- 
lishment. 

The  store  occupied  measures  24x90  feet  and  is 
s'ocked  with  a  very  large  and  well  selected  assort- 
ment of  Clothing,  Gentlemen's  Furnishing  Goods, 
•etc.     The  goods  offered  are  all  that  could  be  de 


sired  as  regards  fit,  cut,  style,  etc.,  and  the  prices 
are  very  reasonable  and  satisfactory.  Messrs. 
W.  F.  Waterbury  and  Wm.  H.  Macdonald,  who 
constitute  the  firm,  are  natives  of  Stamford,  and 
are  very  widely  known  here  as  enterprising 
business  men  aud  representative  citizens. 

Phoenix  Company,  Carriage  Manufacturers. 
All  kinds  of  Carriages  Made  to  Order.  A  Large 
Assortment  always  on  Hand,  John  B.  Reed, 
Agent. — The  house  whose  name  heads  this  arti- 
cle has  become  too  well  and  favorably  known 
during  the  years  of  its  existence,  to  need  any  in- 
troduction, but  a  work  such  as  this,  aiming  to 
give  a  fair  representation  of  all  the  industries  of 
the  city,  would  not  fully  accomplish  its  mission 
without  giving  to  this  establishment  more  than  a 
passing  notice. 

The  products  of  this  factory  rank  among  the 
best  goods  on  the  market,  and  are  in  great  de- 
mand. They  are  made  from  superior  selected 
and  well  seasoned  timber  by  the  best  skilled 
workmen,  which  makes  them  durable  and  popular 
with  those  who  use  them. 

All  kinds  of  Carriages,  Buggies,  Wagons,  etc., 
are  the  products  of  the  factory,  and  are  made  to 
order  when  desired.  Their  repository  is  always 
filled  with  a  handsome  array  of  fine  vehicles. 

The  factory  consists  of  a  three-story  building 
30x100  feet  in  dimensions,  where  are  employed 
twelve  or  more  experienced  hands  in  the  several 
departments. 

The  "Phoenix  Company"  was  established  in 
1850,  and  is  therefore  one  of  the  oldest  carriage 
manufactories  in  this  section.  Mr.  JohnB.  Reed, 
who  has  charge  of  the  business,  is  an  enterpris- 
ing and  energetic  gentleman,  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  all  the  details  of  the  business,  aud 
one  of  Stamford's  most  esteemed  citizens. 
• 

Allen,  Smith  &  Co.,  Dealers  in  Fancy  Dress 
Goods,  Trimmings  and  Notions,  Oilcloths,  etc., 
No.  26  Atlantic  Square. — Though  but  recently 
established  this  house  bids  fair,  ere  long,  to  rival 
its  contemporaries. 

It  was  originated  in  July,  1886,  by  the  present 
firm,  and  has  built  up  an  extensive  trade  rapidly. 
Being  well  experienced  in  the  wants  of  the  pub- 
lic and  making  their  prices  as  low  as  anv  like 
house  in  town,  they  have  at  once  established  con- 
fidence throughout  the  community. 

Tbe  store  occupied  is  22x70  feet  in  dimensions, 
and  contains  a  full  and  complete  stock  of  fancy 
Dress  Goods,  Trimmings  and  Notions,  also  Oil- 
cloths, etc.  They  occupy  one  of  the  most  eligi- 
ble and  central  locations,  being  at  No.  26  Atlan- 
tic Square,  and  their  stock  contains  no  shop- 
worn goods  as  only  new  goods  will  be  found 
upon  their  counters. 

Several  experienced  clerks  are  employed,  and 
customers  are  shown  every  attention  possible. 
The  individual  members  of  the  firm  are  Messrs. 
Frank  R.  Allen  and  Alf.  E.  Smith,  both  young 
men,  are  natives  of  Stamford,  and  well  and  fav- 
orably known  throughout  the  community.  We 
feel  assured  that  they  have  every  prospect  of  a 
brilliant  future  before  them,  as  they  give  every 
attention  to  even  the  smallest  details  of  the  busi- 
ness, and  being  energetic,  far-seeing  and  capable, 
are  bound  to  meet  with  success. 


168 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


Stamford  China  Store.  Ayres  Brothers. 
Cash  Jobbers  in  Foreign  and  Domestic  China 
and  Glass,  Cutlery,  Stoneware,  etc.,  Atlantic 
Square,  opposite  the  Post  Office. — One  of  the 
representative  business  houses  of  Stamford,  and 
one  'which  by  the  extent  of  its  operations  and 
the  signal  ability  with  which  it  is  conducted 
would  do  credit  to  a  city  of  much  greater  popu- 
lation and  pretension. is  that  known  as  the  Stam- 
ford China  Store,  located  in  Atlantic  square,  op- 
posite the  Post  Office,  and  conducted  by  Messrs. 
E.  M.,  H.  M.,  and  B.  M.  Ayres,  under  the  firm- 
name  of  Ayers  Brothers.  Although  established 
but  eight  years,  the  transactions  of  this  firm 
have  reached,  as  before  stated,  imposing  propor- 
tions, and  this  desirable  state  of  affairs  is  not  by 
any  means  due  to  luck  or  chance,  but  is  the 
legitimate  and  inevitable  outcome  of  the  fore- 
sight and  discriminating  energy  which  have 
marked  the  firm's  career.  Both  a  wholesale  and 
retail  business  is  done  and  2*^  floors,  each  18x20 
feet,  are  fully  occupied  by  the  enormous  and 
varied  stock  on  hand.  Foreign  and  Domestic 
China  and  Glassware  of  all  descriptions  is  on 
hand  as  is  also  a  full  line  of  Cutlery,  Stoneware, 
Agate,  Majolica  and  Rockingham  Ware.  Bird 
Cages,  Feather  Dusters,  Solid  and  Plated  Silver- 
ware, Tinware,  Fruit  jars.  etc.  A  specialty  is 
made  of  Lamps  and  Lamp  Fixtures.  These 
goods  are  all  offered  at  factory  prices  and  are 
full}'  warranted.  Employment  is  given  to  six 
salesmen  and  customers  are  assured  prompt  and 
courteous  attention. 


J.  K.  Lawrence  &  Co.,  Pharmacists. — A  most 
elegantly  fitted  up  pharmaceutical  establishment 
which  is  a  great  favorite  with  residents  of  Stam- 
ford, is  that  so  ably  conducted  by  Messrs.  J.  K. 
Lawrence  &  Co.  Finished  in  hard-wood  through- 
out, the  store  presents  a  most  beautiful  and  at- 
tractive appearance,  the  stock  being  displayed  to 
excellent  advantage,  and  neatness  and  order 
reigning  supreme. 

The  firm  is  made  up  of  Messrs.  J.  K.  and  C. 
W.  Lawrence,  and  began  business  three  years 
ago.  The  store  occupied  is  of  the  dimensions  of 
18x90  feet,  and  contains  a  very  large  and  com- 
plete stock  of  Drugs,  Medicines,  Chemicals, 
Fancy  Goods,  Choice  Cigars,  Confectionery,  etc., 
especially  excelling  in  the  latter  department,  as 
the  Messrs.  Lawrence  are  agents  for  Wallace  & 
Company's  justly  celebrated  Chocolates  and 
Bon-bons.  A  large  assortment  of  fresh,  pure 
and  desirable  Drugs  and  Chemicals  is  constantly 
carried,  and  physicians' prescriptions  will  be  filled 
at  all  hours  with  the  utmost  care,  skill  and 
promptitude.  Every  precaution  is  taken  to  en- 
sure against  errors  of  any  kind,  and  orders  of  this 
nature  are  filled  at  very  reasonable  rates. 

Many  elegant  novelties  in  Fancy  Goods  are 
shown,  and  those  who  wish  to  replenish  their 
supply  of  toilet  articles  will  find  everything 
needful  at  this  popular  establishment. 

This  firm  is  known  near  and  far  for  its  Soda 
Water  and  Ice  Cream  Soda,  which  is  a  specialty. 
The  magnificent  fountain  apparatus,  etc.,  cost 
$2,500.  They  manufacture  their  own  Soda,  and  use 
only  purest  fruit  syrups.  During  the  summer  sea- 
son two  clerks  are  kept  busy  attending  to  the 
fountain  alone. 


Franklin  House,  Cottage  Place,  near  R.  R_ 
Depot,  Fred.  Berg,  Proprietor. — Experience  will 
do  wonders  to  smooth  and  make  easy  any  under- 
taking or  pursuit,  and  certainly,  traveling  is  no 
exception  to  the  rule,  some  even  going  so  far  as 
to  say  that  by  the  time  a  man  learns  how  to 
travel  properly,  he  is  too  old  to  leave  home 
at  all,  but  however  this  may  be,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  one  of  the  fundamental  rules  of  com- 
fortable traveling  is  to  know  how  and  where  to 
find  the  best  hotels. 

It  is  by  no  means  always  the  most  pretentious 
or  high-priced  houses  that  are  the  most  desirable 
or  home-like,  and  a  conspicuous  example  of  this 
truth  may  be  found  in  the  case  of  the  Franklin 
House,  of  which  Mr.  Fred  Berg  is  the  proprietor, 
located  on  Cottage  Place,  convenient  to  the  rail- 
road depot.  Although  the  terms  of  this  es- 
tablishment are  but  $1  per  day,  the  accommoda- 
tions for  both  transient  and  weekly  boarders  are 
eminently  comfortable  and  complete. 

Mr.  Berg  opened  this  hotel,  which  is  four 
stories  in  height  and  40x80  feet  in  dimensions, 
four  j'ears  ago,  and  early  established  a  reputation 
for  unremitting  efforts  to  please  and  satisfy  his- 
guests.  He  does  a  large  business  and  fully  de- 
serves his  success,  as  it  is  but  the  legitimate  re- 
sult of  his  liberal  management  and  fair  treatment. 

L.  B.  Gaylor  &  Co.,  Dealer  in  Foreign  and 
Domestic  Dry  Goods,  Notions,  Fancy  Goods, 
Etc.,  Washington  Place. — Among  the  foremost 
dry  goods  houses  in  Stamford  is  that  of  L.  B. 
Gaylor  &  Co.,  located  on  Washington  place. 

Mr.  Gaylor  established  this  business  four  years 
ago,  and  has  met  with  marked  success,  being  a 
gentleman  of  unusual  business  ability,  besides 
paying  strict  attention  to  the  wants  .of  the  public, 
he  bids  fair  to  rival  his  contemporaries  in  the 
future.  His  store  is  finely  situated,  is  light  and 
airy,  and  occupies  two  floors  20x80  feet  each  in 
dimen>ions.  Filled  with  the  most  tempting  dis- 
plays, it  is  the  delight  of  the  fair  sex  to  wander 
around  among  the  piles  of  foreign  and  domestic 
goods,  counters  of  notions,  fancy  goods,  etc. 

Six  attentive  assistants  are  employed,  who  are 
ever  ready  to  wait  upon  customers  in  an  intelli- 
gent and  courteous  manner.  Mr.  Gaylor  is  a 
gentleman  of  exceptionally  fine  taste,  and  as  he 
personally  selects  his  stock,  only  the  latest  fash- 
ions and  the  choicest  goods  are  to  be  found  in  his 
establishment. 

Mr.  Gaylor  is  a  native  of  Stamford,  and  has 
hosts  of  friends  and  acquaintances  throughout 
this  section.  Business  has  been  very  satisfactory 
so  far,  and  the  future  is  very  promising. 

We  advise  all  who  have  not  already  done  so  to 
give  Mr.  Gaylor  a  call,  and  we  feel  assured  they 
will  be  satisfied  with  both  his  selections  as  well 
as  prices. 

S.  Adams,  Clothier,  89  Main  Street  — Travel- 
ers in  this  country  from  foreign  lands,  however 
much  else  they  may  see  to  admire,  always  find 
time  to  notice  and  to  express  their  surprise  at  the 
well-dressed  condition  of  the  people  here  as  a 
whole.  There  is  no  such  attention  paid  to  the 
wants  of  the  people  by  clothiers  abroad,  as  there- 
is  here,  where  the  competition  amoug  those  en- 
gaged in  the  business  is  so  keen  that  $2.00  is. 
more  often  made  on  suit    of  clothes   than  $5.00 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  STAMFORD. 


169 


and  where  most  of  the  dealers  helieve  it  is  better 
to  sell  a  large  quantity  at  a  small  profit  than  a 
small  amount  at  a  large  profit.  The  Clothing 
business  is  so  arranged  now  that  dwellers  in  the 
metropolis  have  no  advantage  whatever  over 
those  living  in  the  surrounding  smaller  cities 
in  the  matter  of  purchasing  clothing.  It  is 
a  well  known  saying,  and  one  of  no  small 
amount  of  credence  that  "  the  clothes  make  the 
man."  But  they  must  be  good  clothes,  however, 
which  is  quite  another  thing,  and  the  trouble  is 
now-a-days  to  find  an  establishment  where  gar- 
ments suitable  for  the  outer  covering  of  a  gentle- 
man are  made  of  good,  honest  material,  which 
are  of  fashionable  style,  perfect  fit,  and  last,  but 
by  no  means  least,  at  a  reasonable  outlay.  Among 
ladies  the  belief  exists  that  in  the  largest  stores 
with  large  show-windows,  and  situated  on  a  main 
thoroughfare,  the  "  best"  goods  are  to  be  had. 
They  do  not  but  believe  that  goods  are  made 
for  them  only,  although  a  smaller  establishment 
buys  their  articles  from  (he  same  sources,  and 
by  employing  less  help  and  the  rent  of  course 
is  considerably  less,  these  smaller  stores  not 
exac'ly  located  on  the  fashionable  main 
street,  can  sell  the  goods  at  least  one-third 
less.  This  belief  is  nevertheless  commenc- 
ing to  vanish,  and  the  fair  sex  is  now  as 
full  of  business  thoughts  as  the  stronger  sex. 

Seven  years  ago,  in  1880,  Mr.  S.  Adams  came 
to  this  city  and  located  at  89  Main  street.  The 
competition  was  then  already  very  great,  and 
everyone  shook  their  heads,  saying:  "He  won't 
last  long."  Still  he  exists,  and  very  few  business 
men  of  this  city  have  retained  Iheir  customers 
and  obtained  daily  newT  ones,  as  has  Mr.  Adams, 
and  by  perseverance  he  has  succeeded  in 
building  up  a  business  which  is  founded  on  such 
a  substantial  basis,  that  by  inquiring  for  sub- 
stantial clothing  it  has  become  a  by-word  to  say: 
"Go  to  Adams'."  Only  sound  goods  are  kept  on 
hand,  and  not,  as  in  many  finely  fitted  up  Cloth- 
ing emporiums,  shoddy  garments. 

The  store  is  not  fitted  up  "gold  edged,"  but  it 
contains  as  full  and  as  complete  an  assortment 
of  Clothing,  Underwear,  Furnishing  Goods,  etc., 
as  can  be  found  in  any  store  even  in  the  metro- 
polis. 

The  policy  upon  which  Mr.  Adams  conducts 
his  business  is  characterized  by  liberality  and  the 


careful  fostering  of  the  interests  of  his  patrons,  so 
that  transactions  once  entered  into  with  him  may 
be  not  only  pleasant  for  the  time  being,  but  of  a 
permanent  nature.  Owing  to  his  increasing  trade, 
he  has  of  late  been  compelled  to  double  his  help 
in  the  store.  Buyer  or  no  buyer,  everyone  is  re- 
quested to  inspect  his  assortment  before  making 
a  bargain  anywhere,  and  the  general  opinion  has 
always  been  that  S.  Adams,  the  Clothier,  carries 
an  Al  complete  assortment  and  is  invariably  the 
cheapest  in  Stamford,  which  means  a  great  deal. 
Mr.  Adams  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1844,  came  to 
this  country  in  1863,  and  before  his  starting  busi- 
ness in  this  city  he  resided  mostly  in  New  York 
city. 

He  is  to  day  through  perseverance,  honest  deal- 
ings and  strict  personal  attendance  to  his  business, 
one  of  the  city's  well  known  and  highly  respected 
citizens,  and  is  what  may  be  termed  a  self  made 
man. 

E.  Vanderwerken,  Watchmaker  and  Jeweler. 
— A  house  which  probably  carries  at  least  as  full 
an  assortment  of  the  goods  in  which  it  deals  as 
any  similar  establishment  in  town  is  that  conduct- 
ed by  Mr.  E.  Vanderwerken,  watchmaker  and 
jeweler. 

This  gentleman  began  business  about  three  3'ears 
ago  and  has  already  succeeded  in  building  up  a 
large  and  rapidly  increasing  patronage.  The 
stock  on  hand  comprises  Watches,  Clocks,  Jew- 
elry, Silverware  and  similar  articles,  and  is  not 
only  large  in  proportions  but  is  most  excellently 
selected  to  suit  the  wants  of  the  public. 

The  store  is  24x90  feet  in  dimensions  and  em- 
ployment is  given  to  three  assistants.  The  re- 
pairing department  is  a  very  important  feature  of 
the  business,  and  the  most  complicated  and  deli- 
cate watches  or  chronometers  may  be  unhesitat- 
ingly confided  to  Mr.  Vanderwerken  with  the  as- 
surance that  they  cannot  be  entrusted  to  more 
skillful  or  experienced  hands.  Repairs  of  what- 
ever nature  in  Watches,  Clocks,  Jewelry,  etc., 
will  receive  early  and  painstaking  attention,  and 
will  be  executed  at  very  low  prices. 

Mr.  Vanderwerken  is  a  native  of  New  York 
State,  of  old  Knickerbocker  stock,  which  is  al- 
most of  itself  sufficient  guarantee  of  the  trust- 
worthy and  reliable  character  of  his  goods  and 
his  work. 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH   OF    DAN  BURY. 


In  the  primitive  days,  when  the  whites  first  began  to  settle  in  Connecticut,  the 
territory  now  occupied  by  the  city  of  Danbury  was  called  by  the  Indians  "  Pah- 
quioque."  No  permanent  colony  seems  to  have  been  established  in  the  place  before 
1685,  though  a  few  clearings  and  improvements  had  been  made  upon  the  virgin 
country  before  that  date,  mostly  by  settlers  of  Norwalk.  In  the  spring  of  1685 
eight  families  settled  here  and  formed  the  nucleus  of  a  growing  colony.  The  names- 
of  the  heads  of  these  families  were:  Thomas  Taylor,  Francis  Bushnell,  Thomas 
Barnum,  John  Hoyt,  James  Benedict,  Samuel  Benedict,  James  Beebe  and  Judah 
Gregory.  A  regular  purchase  of  the  land  from  the  Indian  proprietors  was  first 
made  and  a  few  acres  of  rough  land  cleared  around  the  rude  log  cabins  in  the  cen- 
ter of  the  tiny  settlement,  at  that  time  on  the  outskirts  of  the  New  England  colo- 
nies. The  whole  amount  of  territory  pui*chased  from  the  Indians  is  recorded  to  have 
been  eight  miles  from  north  to  south  and  six  from  east  to  west. 

While  the  settlement  was  yet  only  a  few  years  old  it  received  a  valuable  addition 
in  the  arrival  of  Dr.  Samuel  Wood,  a  talented  physician,  born  and  educated  in  Eng- 
land, who  had  come  out  across  the  colony  to  the  very  border  of  civilization  to  prac- 
tice his  beneficent  profession  where  it  might  do  most  good,  but  where  all  hopes  of 
ambitious  advancement  were  vain.  To  such  men  as  Dr.  Wood  New  England  owes 
no  small  share  of  her  early  development. 

Other  settlers  came  slowly,  among  whom  were  Josiah  Starr  from  Long  Island, 
Joseph  Mygatt  from  Hartford,  and  the  families  of  Picket,  Knapp  and  Wildman. 
The  name  "Danbury"  was  taken  from  that  of  a  town  in  Essex,  England,  of  which 
some  of  the  settlers  were  doubtless  natives. 

The  first  church  in  the  village  was  probably  organized  about  1696,  when  the  Rev. 
Seth  Shove,  the  first  minister  of  Danbury,  was  probably  ordained.  He  was  "  a  very 
pious  and  worthy  man,  who  was  very  successful  in  his  exertions  for  the  promotion 
of  peace,  virtue  and  true  religion."  The  first  "  meeting-house  "  was  erected  about 
the  time  of  Mr.  Shove's  ordination.  Its  dimensions  were  40  feet  in  length  by  30  feet 
in  breadth,  and  the  remarkable  fact  is  stated  that  "  after  the  frame  was  raised,  every 
person  that  belonged  to  the  town  was  present,  and  sat  on  the  sills  at  once."  A  very 
approximate  idea  of  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  Danbury  may  be  obtained  from 
this  odd  statement. 

A  town  patent  was  received  by  Danbury  from  the  General  Court  in  1702,  and 
from  the  advantages  which  drew  settlers  to  it,  it  soon  became  one  of  the  most  influ- 
ential towns  in  this  part  of  the  State.  A  second  meeting-house  was  erected  in  1719, 
which  was  50   feet  by   35   feet,  to  which   15   feet  were  added  on  the  front  in  1745: 


DANE  UR  T, '  PAST  AND  PRESENT.  1 7 1 

again  we  can  notice  the  growth  of  the  population,  indeed,  in  the  early  Puritan  days 
the  church  was  a  most  accurate  census-keeper. 

The  Rev.  Seth  Shove  died  in  1735,  after  thirty-nine  years  of  faithful  service,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Ebenezer  White,  who  was  the  pastor  for  the  next  twenty-nine 
years;  sixty-eight  years  of  a  church's  life  with  only  two  ministers  !  This  period  of 
almost  perfect  religious  harmony  was  succeeded  by  another  so  marked  by  fierce  con- 
troversies that  it  was  believed  that  "in  no  town  in  the  State,  has  there  been  more 
religious  contention  than  in  this." 

After  Mr.  White  had  served  the  church  with  great  satisfaction  for  more  than 
twenty-five  years,  he  began  to  preach  some  new  ideas,  which  caused  much  uneasiness 
among  his  people.  Finally,  in  1764  the  discussions  resulted  in  the  dismissal  of  Mr. 
White  from  his  charge.  He  however  rejected  the  authority  of  "ecclesiastical  coun- 
cils," and,  the  majority  of  his  congregation  adhering  to  him,  he  formed  a  separate 
church,  known  as  the  "New  Danbury  Society." 

In  1768,  Danbury  was  visited  by  a  terrible  conflagration,  which  laid  waste  almost 
the  entire  town.  Like  Rome,  it  arose  from  the  ashes  more  beautiful  than  ever.  The 
Revolutionary  war  had  a  very  important  relation  to  and  effect  upon  Danbury.  At 
its  beginning  the  total  valuation  of  the  town  was  estimated  at  £28,501. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  war,  the  Commissioners  of  the  American  Army  chose 
Danbury  as  a  place  of  deposit  for  military  stores.  Pseudo-Governor  Tryon,  learn- 
ing that  a  large  amount  of  supplies  had  been  collected  here,  on  the  26th  of  April, 
1777,  made  a  sudden  assault  upon  the  town.  The  men  had  been  landed  at  Compo 
Point,  Fairfield,  the  day  before,  and  arrived  at  Danbury  about  three  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  26th  of  April.  Their  first  work  was  to  destroy  the  stores.  Then  they 
began  those  brutal  and  cowardly  acts  of  cruelty  and  excess  which  were  characteris- 
tic of  all  their  invasions.  Neither  the  persons  nor  the  property  of  the  citizens  were 
spared,  save  of  a  few  tories  who,  however,  thought  it  best  not  to  remain  after  the 
departure  of  the  troops. 

The  enemy  Avere  fearful  of  being  surrounded  by  the  Continental  forces,  which 
were  gathering  rapidly  under  the  leadership  of  Colonel  Cook,  the  commander  of 
Danbury  at  the  time  of  the  invasion,  so  they  rallied  together  early  on  the  mornino- 
of  the  27th,  and  firing  a  few  more  private  houses  as  a  parting  blessing,  started  on 
their  return  march,  which  was  little  better  than  a  retreat. 

In  the  pursuit  of  the  British  back  to  the  coast  from  Danbury,  Major-General 
Wooster  and  Brigadier  General  Silliman  led  the  Americans.  On  the  second  day's 
fighting  General  Wooster  was  mortally  wounded  and  brought  back  to  Danbury, 
where  he  died  in  a  few  days.  He  was  buried  in  the  Danbury  cemetery,  opposite  the 
Court  House.  Few  Generals  in  the  New  England  States  were  more  highly  honored 
or  more  deeply  mourned  than  General  Wooster.  In  1854,  a  large  and  beautiful 
monument  was  erected  to  his  memory  in  Danbury,  and  his  name  has  been  cherished 
with  those  of  Hale  and  Putnam. 

As  the  British  marched  away  they  drove  off  the  sheep  and  cattle  of  the  inhabit- 
ants, and  after  their  departure  it  seemed  as  if  the  town  had  been  swept  bare.  One 
record  states  that  "  nineteen  dwelling  houses,  the  meeting-house  of  the  '  New  Dan- 
bury Society,'  and  twenty-two  stores  and  barns  with  all  their  contents  were  con- 
sumed. The  quantity  of  Continental  stores  which  wei-e  consumed  cannot  now  be 
accurately   ascertained;    accounts    vary   considerably.     From  the  best  information 


172  D ANBURY,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

which  can  be  obtained,  there  were  about  3,000  barrels  of  pork,  more  than  1,000  bar- 
rels of  flour,  several  hundred  barrels  of  beef,  1,600  tents,  2,000  bushels  of  grain, 
besides  many  other  valuable  articles,  such  as  rum,  wine,  rice,  army  carriages,  etc." 

The  losses  of  private  property  were  estimated  to  have  been  about  £15,862.  The 
town  was  so  utterly  impoverished  that  a  stirring  appeal  was  made  to  the  Legislature 
in  order  that  some  of  the  impoverished  people  might  not  die  of  starvation.  A  sum 
of  £500  was  voted  by  the  Legislature  to  relieve  the  immediate  distresses  of  the  suf- 
ferers, and  the  whole  amount  of  the  loss  was  finally  paid  a  number  of  years  after  the 
war  from  the  proceeds  of  the  "Western  Lands."  The  town  records  were  almost 
entirely  destroyed  during  the  invasion,  so  that  the  early  history  of  the  town  has 
been  rendered  much  less  full  and  accurate  than  otherwise  would  have  been  the  case. 

An  amusing  incident  is  related  which  gives  a  humorous  touch  to  a  period  other- 
wise entirely  wrapped  in  gloom.  A  short  distance  outside  of  Danbury  on  the  turnpike 
road  dwelt  Mr.  Luther  Holcomb,  a  rather  eccentric  gentleman.  Hearing  that  the 
British  were  advancing,  Mr.  Holcomb  mounted  his  horse  and  started  out  to  meet 
them.  He  arrived  at  the  summit  of  a  low  hill,  just  as  the  British  were  descending 
the  one  opposite.  Mr.  Holcomb  then  faced  around,  and  as  if  addressing  a  large 
body  of  troops,  shouted,  in  a  voice  of  thunder:  "  Halt  the  whole  Universe  !  Break 
off  by  Kingdoms  !"  The  British  were  considerably  in  doubt  how  large  a  force  they 
had  now  to  encounter.  Their  cannon  was  brought  to  the  front  of  the  line  to  bear 
upon  their  formidable  enemy,  and  flanking  parties  were  sent  out  to  make  discoveries. 
Meanwhile  Mr.  Holcomb  was  galloping  back  to  Danbury,  having  saved  considerable 
time  for  the  people  of  the  town  and  enabled  many  to  make  their  escape. 

Although  such  a  disaster  might  well  have  crushed  a  larger  town,  Danbury  with 
characteristic  perseverance  was  soon  as  prosperous  as  she  had  been  before.  She 
never  suffered  a  second  invasion,  the  people  having  declined  to  enjoy  the  doubtful 
pleasure  of  having  their  town  made  a  deposit  of  Continental  stores,  and  the  objective 
point  of  a  hostile  attack.  Many  of  the  townsmen,  however,  were  engaged  with 
General  Washington  in  his  campaigns,  and  the  town  was  honorably  represented  in 
all  the  great  battles  of  the  war. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  Revolution  a  hospital  for  the  American  army  was 
kept  here.  It  occupied  two  large  buildings  on  the  property  of  Samuel  Wildman, 
Esq.,  and  during  the  course  of  the  war  more  than  two  hundred  soldiers  were  buried 
there.  Thus,  Danbury  became  the  last  resting  place  of  many  of  the  brave  men  who 
gave  up  their  lives  in  the  struggle  for  our  independence.  The  fact  that  Danbury 
recovered  very  rapidly  from  the  effects  of  the  war  and  soon  came  to  be  a  prominent 
town,  is  well  demonstrated  by  her  having  been  made  a  half-shire  town  in  17S4,  the 
county-court  alternating  in  its  sittings  between  this  place  and  Fairfield. 

For  a  short  time  a  religious  sect  called  the  Landemamans,  obtained  some  promi- 
nence, having  been  founded  in  1765  by  Robert  Landemaman,  a  native  of  Perth, 
England,  who  died  and  was  buried  here  in  April,  1771.  His  peculiar  doctrine  was 
"the  bare  belief  of  the  bare  truth"  of  the  Bible.  They  were  a  very  quiet  and  up- 
right people,  their  services  and  life  being  somewhat  after  the  manner  of  the 
Moravians. 

Danbury  having  no  seaport  could  not  profit  by  the  brief  "boom"  in  American 
shipping  between  the  two  wars  with  England,  but  she  likewise  did  not  suffer  the 
reverses  which  many  of  the  New  England  seacoast  towns  met  from  1808  to  1820. 


D ANBURY,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


173 


\» 


■•*J|i!:-fffrT  Wl«.|w-i»i 

flfPl  -M 


IB 


«±i=4S^~* 


TOWN    HALL    AND    SOLDIERS'    MONUMENT. 

The  manufacturing  interests  of  the  town  have  grown,  though  not  with  great  rapid- 
ity, yet  with  great  steadiness.  As  early  as  1780  Zadoc  Bennett  was  making  hats 
here,  being  one  of  the  earliest  manufacturers  in  this  line  in  the  country.  With  the 
assistance  of  three  men  he  was  accustomed  to  make  about  three  hats  per  day.  In 
1790  the  first  hat  factory  in  the  town  was  established  by  Burr  &  White,  who 
employed  about  thirty  hands  and  turned  out  about  fifteen  dozen  a  week.  By  1800 
the  trade  had  assumed  extensive  proportions,  twenty  thousand  hats,  mostly  fur, 
being  manufactured  annually,  more  than  in  any  other  place  in  the  country.  In 
1836,  there  were  twenty-four  factories  in  operation  in  Danbury,  with  a  working 
force  of  two  hundred  and  thirty-nine  persons,  an  annual  output  of  one  hundred  and 
thirty-four  thousand  hats,  and  a  total  valuation  of  about  §400,000. 

A  paper  mill  had  been  established  in  1792,  which  produced  1,500  reams  annually, 
and  a  number  of  other  important  manufactories  were  started  about  the  beginning  of 
the  century.  In  1836  there  were  two  hundred  dwelling  houses  in  the  town,  besides 
numerous  other  buildings,  six  meeting-houses  (one  each  of  the  Congregational,  Epis- 
copal, Baptist,  Methodist,  Universalist  and  Landemaman  denominations),  nine  mer- 
cantile stores,  a  printing  office,  and  an  academy.  The  population  of  Danbury  in 
1840  was  4,5  04;  in  1850  it  had  increased  to  5,964,  and  was  the  fifth  town  in  size  in 
Connecticut. 

The  completion  of  the  Danbury  and  Norwalk  Railroad  in  1852  was  an  import- 


174  D ANBURY,  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 


ant  event  in  the  history  of  Danbury  and  aided  materially  in  its  progress.  The  open- 
ing of  the  New  York  &  Housatonic  Railroad  in  1863,  and  of  the  New  York  & 
New  England  in  1883,  have  advanced  the  town  yet  more  rapidly  and  made  it  an  im- 
portant center  in  the  western  part  of  the  State. 

Danbury's  war  record  is  one  of  which  she  has  been  and  well  may  be  proud. 
From  the  first  call  to  arms  until  the  fall  of  the  Confederacy  her  citizens  put  forth 
devoted  and  untiring  efforts  in  the  service  of  the  country.  The  toAvn  was  represented 
by  Co.  E,  First  Conn.  Regiment,  Captain  E.  E.  Wildman;  Co.  A,  Fifth  Regiment,  Cap- 
tain H.  B.  Stone;  Co.  D,  Seventh  Regiment,  Captain  B.  F.  Skinner;  parts  of  Co.'s 
H  and  I,  Eighth  Regiment,  and  Co.  A,  Ninth  Regiment;  Co.  A,  Eleventh  Regiment, 
Captain  G.  A.  Southmayd;  parts  of  Co.  E,  Twelfth  Regiment,  Co.  C,  Seventeenth, 
Captain  James  E.  Moore;  Co.  B,  Twenty-Third,  Captain  James  H.  Jenkins,  besides 
other  volunteers  in  almost  every  regiment  sent  out  by  the  State. 

Major-General  Darius  N.  Couch,  the  celebrated  corps  commander  of  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac,  was  a  native  of  Danbury.  The  Hon.  Roger  Averill,  of  Danbury,  was 
the  Lieut.-Governor  of  the  State  from  1862  to  1865,  and  admirably  seconded  the 
grand  efforts  of  the  War  Governor,  Wm,  A.  Buckingham,  which  made  Connecticut 
renowned  among  the  loyal  States.  Among  other  commissioned  officers  from  Dan- 
bury were  Lieut.-Col.  Nelson  L.  White  of  the  Fourth,  and  Lieut.-Col.  Wm.  C.  Moeg- 
ling  of  the  Eleventh.  In  all  the  important  battles  of  the  war:  at  Bulls'  Run,  the 
Peninsular  Campaign,  Antietam,  Fredericksburg,  Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg, 
Charlestown,  New  Orleans,  Vicksburg,  Sherman's  March  to  the  Sea,  and  the  final 
campaign  under  Grant  and  Sheridan,  the  brave  soldiers  from  Danbury  fought  with 
unflinching  courage  and  patriotism,  welding  together  the  dissevered  country  with 
their  own  blood. 

Among  the  noble  dead  were  Sergeant  John  R.  Marsh,  Lieut.-Cols.  Henry  B. 
Stone  and  Wm.  C.  Moegling,  Captains  James  E.  Moore  and  Selleck  R.  White,  Lieut. 
Frederick  Starr,  and  Private  A.  W.  Wheeler,  all  noble  and  brave  men,  honored  and 
mourned,  both  at  home  and  in  the  field.  In  all,  Danbury  sent  to  the  field  more  than 
a  thousand  men.  The  town  was  not  less  generous  in  supplying  the  sinews  of  war. 
Out  of  a  grand  list  of  $4,140,207,  Danbury  contributed  $154,566,  a  proportion  which 
was  not  surpassed  by  any  town  of  equal  valuation  in  the  State.  The  U.  S.  Sanitary 
Commission,  and  the  Christian  Sanitary  Commission,  as  well  as  State  and  local  organ- 
izations for  helping  the  soldiers  were  well  supported,  and  the  ladies  of  the  town  were 
untiring  in  their  services. 

Danbury  has  been  steadily  advancing  since  the  war.  The  manufacturing  inter- 
ests have  grown  rapidly  and  many  of  the  large  houses  are  representatives  of  New 
Eno-land  enterprise.  The  manufacture  of  hats  has  continued  to  be  the  leading  line, 
and  at  present  is  one  of  the  largest  in  the  country.  Other  branches  of  trade  have 
been  successfully  established  and  the  advantages  of  the  town  are  yearly  attracting 
new  houses.  Two  National  and  two  Savings  banks  conduct  the  banking  business  of 
Danbury.  There  are  three  progressive  journals:  the  Hepicblican,  the  Democrat  and 
the  News,  the  latter  being  the  only  daily  in  the  city. 

The  subject  of  education  has  received  a  great  deal  of  attention  from  the  citizens 
of  Danbury,  and  its  public  school  system  is  maintained  at  a  high  standard.  There 
is  a  free  library,  which  is  much  appreciated  by  the  large  number  of  inhabitants  of  a 
literary  turn  of  mind.     A  beautiful   town  hall  building  has  been  erected  recently 


DA NB UR Y,  PAST  A ND  PRESENT.  1 75 

•which  is  generally  considered  to  be  most  elegant  in  design  and  finish  of  any  in  this 
part  of  the  State.  Danbury  has  attested  her  love  for  the  soldiers  and  their  memory 
by  the  recent  dedication  of  a  soldiers'  monument.  The  management  of  the  water 
and  gas  supply  is  most  admirable.  The  magnificent  arch  of  elms  which  lines  the 
main  street  is  the  pride  of  the  citizens  and  the  admiration  of  the  stranger. 

Few  towns  in  New  England  have  a  more  lovely  situation  than  Danbury,  either 
as  regards  scenery  or  health.  "  Terre  Haute"  is  the  name  of  a  beautiful  hill  near 
the  borough,  which  furnishes  an  entrancing  out-look  across  the  country.  Deer  Hill 
is  one  of  the  favorite  resorts  for  those  in  search  of  beautiful  scenery,  and  is  widely 
noted  for  its  model  private  residences.  Two  lovely  lakes,  "Neversink"  and  "Keno- 
sha," are  frequently  visited  by  pleasure-seekers,  the  latter  being  famous  throughout 
the  western  part  of  the  State.  It  is  also  the  source  of  the  Still  River,  which  supplies 
the  borough  with  excellent  water  power.  With  such  advantages  of  situation  joined 
to  the  enterprise  of  its  citizens,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  Danbury  has  made 
such  rapid  progress  in  recent  years.  At  the  present  time  the  population  is  estimated 
to  be  in  the  neighborhood  of  fifteen  thousand,  and  every  prospect  favors  yet  more 
decided  progress  in  the  future. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  Mill. 


National  Pahquioque  Bank,  United  Bank 
Building,  Main  Street. — The  best  endorsement 
of  a  banking  institution  is  a  long  and  honorable 
record,  and  measured  from  this  standpoint,  the 
National  Pahquioque  Bank  of  Danbury  stands 
foremost  among  the  monetary  concerns  of  the 
State. 

It  was  incorporated  as  a  State  bank  in  1854, 
and  was  reorganized  under  the  national  bunking 
laws  in  1865  with  a  paid  up  capital  stock  of 
$250,000.  The  surplus  exceeding  $50,000  attests 
the  prudence  and  financial  ability  of  the  officers 
past  and  present,  and  the  methods  and  policy  of 
the  institution  challenge  universal  commenda- 
tion. 

The  banks  which  was  located  until  the  first  part 
of  June  at  131  Main  street,  has  now  removed  to 
its  present  commodious  quarters  in  the  United 
Bank  Building  on  Main  street,  probably  the  most 
superb  structure  to  be  seen  in  Danbury. 

The  entrance,  when  facing  the  building,  is  on 
the  right  hand,  or  as  it  is  called,  on  the  north 
side.  The  fittings  on  the  inside  are  to  be  com- 
pared most  favorably  with  those  of  the  largest 
banks  in  the  principal  cities  throughout  the 
United  States.  The  counters  are  of  fine  hard 
oak,  and  accommodation  is  made  for  an  increase 
of  business,  which  was  the  prime  motive  for  the 
bank's  removal  to  present  quarters.  The  vaults 
are  perfectly  burglar-proof,  entirely  new  steel 
lined,  and  the  combination  locks  are  from  the 
well  known  Hall  Safe  &  Lock  Co.,  of  Cincinnati, 
A  special  vault  exists  for  securities  and  another 
one  for  books,  etc. 

The  bank  is  officered  as  follows:     President, 

A.  N.  Wildman;  Cashier,  Martin  H.  Griffing;  Tel- 
ler, Wm.  D.  Scott;  Directors,  A.  N.  Wildman, 
Chas.  F.  Starr,  Samuel  C.  Holley,  Horace  Beers, 
Benezet  A.  Hough.    Robert  McLean,  Nathaniel 

B.  Selleck,  Chas.  D.  H.  Kellogg,  and  Martin  H. 
Griffing 

This  is  one  of  the  most  liberally  patronized 
and  ably  managed  banks  in  the  county.  From 
the  outset  it  has  retained  the  public  confidence. 
A  general  banking  business  is  transacted,  includ- 


ing the  receiving  of  deposits,  the  discounting  of 
approved  commercial  paper,  the  collection  of 
Drafts,  buying  and  selling  of  Foreign  Ex- 
change, etc. 

The  officers  and  directors  are  all  men  of  in- 
fluence and  standing  in  business  circles,  and  their 
worth  and  integrity  gives  assurance  of  the  con- 
tinued prosperity  and  usefulness  of  the  institu- 
tion. 


Bigelow  &  Stevens,  Fire  and  Life  Insurance, 
Room  6,  Library  Building. — The  laws  of  man 
are  constantly  being  changed  and  are  not  infre- 
quently violated  with  impunity  by  those  whom 
they  should  bind,  but  not  so  the  laws  of  nature. 
Natural  law  is  unchanging  and  inviolable,  if  oue 
goes  against  it  the  consequences  are  sure  and  oft- 
times  terrible,  and  as  nature  is  no  respecter  of 
persons  all  are  equally  forced  to  obey  her  behests. 
Gradually  but  surely  the  fundamental  principles 
of  existence  are  being  discovered  and  acted  upon 
and  it  is  owing  to  the  great  law  of  average  that 
powerful  companies  can  be  formed  to  insure  the 
community  against  loss  by  fire,  accident  or  disease. 
Few  people  realize  the  enormous  sums  contained 
in  the  assets  of  some  of  these  companies  as,  for 
instance,  the  New  York  Life  which  has  the  tidy 
little  amount  of  $75,000,000  to  its  credit! 

The  resident  agents  of  this  company  are 
Messrs.  Bigelow  &  Stevens,  who  may  be  found 
in  room  6,  Library  Building.  The  firm,  which 
consists  of  Messrs  C.  H.  Bigelow  and  G.  C.  Ste- 
vens, both  natives  of  this  city,  has  been  estab- 
lished some  fifteen  years,  and  has  worked  up  a 
very  large  business  during  that  time.  Beside 
the  company  mentioned  they  are  also  resident 
agents  for  the  following  fire  insurance  companies: 
iEtna,  of  Hartford;  the  Continental  and  the 
Phoenix,  of  New  York;  the  American  and  the 
Fire  Association,  of  Philadelphia;  the  Merideu,  of 
Meriden,  and  the  N.  British  and  Mercantile, 
London,  England.  Insurance  will  be  placed  at 
the  most  reasonable  rates,  and  all  losses  promptly 
paid. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  D ANBURY. 


177 


Foster  Bros.,  Builders  and  Architects. — The 
great  demand  for  architectural  skill  and  building 
materials  occasioned  by  the  remarkable  growth 
of  Danbury  has  been  fully  met  by  the  builders 
and  contractors  of  this  place,  and  in  no  city  in 
the  State  are  there  found  more  competent  master 
artisans  in  this  line  of  industry. 

The  leading  concern  in  this  field  of  enterprise 
is  the  firm  of  Foster  Bros.,  who  for  nearly  a 
quarter  of  a  century  have  been  interested  in 
most  of  the  important  building  operations  in  this 
city  and  section. 

The  business  was  inaugurated  by  Messrs. 
Barnum  &  Starr,  in  1854,  the  present  firm  be- 
coming their  successors  in  1864. 

The  Messrs.  Foster  are  both  practical  and 
expert  master  architects  and  builders,  and  have 
the  best  possible  facilities  and  the  requisite  skill 
to  plan  and  complete  all  kinds  of  buildings  with 
despatch  and  in  the  best  style  of  architectural 
art.  Elevations,  plans  and  specifications  are 
made,  and  estimates  given  for  all  descriptions  of 
buildings,  and  contracts  made  with  tbis 
reliable  house  are  well  and  faithfully  per- 
formed. 

The  firm  operate  the  largest  Steam  Wood 
Working  establishment  in  Danbury,  and  manu- 
facture and  carry  in  stock  all  kinds  of  Doors, 
Sash,  Blinds  and  Mouldings,  as  well  as  Plaster 
Ornaments  and  other  building  materials.  Plan- 
ing and  Wood  Turning  is  executed  in  the  most 
satisfactory  manner,  and  the  extensive  operations 
of  the  house  necessitate  the  employment  of  fifty 
skilled  workmen. 

Messrs.  J.  G.  &  T.  H.  Foster  are  the  indi- 
vidual members  of  this  well  known  firm.  They 
are  natives  of  Ridgefield,  Conn.,  and  possess  in 
full  measure  the  business  qualities  which  inspire 
confidence  and  insure  success. 

Quinn  &  Scott,  Dealers  in  Dry  and  Fancy 
-Goods,  Pahquioque  Block,  161  Main  Street. — 
Among  the  prominent  merchants  engaged  in 
this  important  branch  of  industry,  we  are  pleased 
to  call  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  Messrs. 
Quinn  &  Scott,  whose  elegant  and  complete 
establishment  ranks  as  one  of  the  leading  houses 
of  its  kind  in  Danbury. 

This  house  was  established  by  the  above- 
named  gentlemen  in  April,  1887,  and  although 
of  such  very  recent  inception  has  already  gained 
a  large  share  of  public  favor.  They  occupy  the 
handsome  business  structure  located  at  161  Main 
street,  covering  an  area  of  22x90  feet  in  dimen- 
sions. 

They  carry  without  doubt  the  largest  and  best 
selected  stock  of  Dry  and  Fancy  goods  in  the 
city,  consisting  of  the  newest  domestic  and 
most  popular  foreign  importations  in  the  Dry 
Goods  line. 

The  extensive  retail  trade  already  acquired 
by  this  house  requires  the  services  of  nine  thor- 
oughly experienced  assistants,  and  the  details  of 
the  business  are  most  ably  managed  under  the 
direct  personal  supervision  of  the  proprietors. 

Mr.  John  A.  Quinn  and  Mr.  Frank  M.  Scott 
are  natives  of  Danbury,  and  both  are  well  and 
favorably  known  in  social  as  well  as  business 
circles.  They  are  men  of  rare  natural  ability, 
and  enjoy  in  a  pre-eminent  degree  the  respect, 
and  confidence  of  all  who  do  business  with  them. 


Danbury  National  Bank. — This  is  the  oldest 
banking  institution  in  Danbury,  having  been 
started  in  1824,  under  the  name  of  Fairfield 
County  Branch  Bank  of  Norwalk.  Dissolution 
first  took  place,  July  1,  1844,  when  it  was  organ- 
ized and  incorporated  as  a  State  Bank,  and  in 
the  wonderful  growth  of  the  town  and  section 
during  the  past  sixty-three  years,  it  has  taken  a 
most  prominent  and  important  part. 

Under  the  present  name  it  was  reorganized 
under  the  provisions  of  the  Federal  Banking 
Laws  in  1865.  The  capital  stock  is  $327,000, 
giving  ample  facilities  for  aiding  mercantile  and 
industrial  enterprise.  The  large  surplus  attests 
the  able  management  of  affairs,  and  the  worth 
and  standing  of  the  officers  and  directors  inspires 
the  fullest  confidence  of  customers  and  corre- 
spondents. 

The  officers  of  the  Bank  at  this  time  are  as 
follows:  President,  Lucius  P.  Hoyt;  Cashier, 
Jabez  Amsbury;  Teller,  George  Williams; 
Directors — Lucius  P.  Hoyt,  Wm.  R.  White, 
Henry  Crofut,  Lyman  D.  Brewster,  Samuel  H. 
Ruudle,  Henry  T.  Hoyt,  Samuel  C.  Wildman, 
Geo.  G.  Durant  and  Jabez  Amsbury. 

Mr.  Lucius  P.  Hoyt  has  been  the  president  of 
the  bank  since  1864,  one  year  before  it  became  a 
National  Bank,  and  has  been  also  President  of 
the  Danbury  &  Norwalk  R.  R.  since  its  organiza- 
tion in  1852. 

Mr.  Jabez  Amsbury,  the  Cashier  of  the  Bank, 
has  held  that  same  responsible  position  since 
October,  1855.  He  is  a  wide  awake  business 
man  and  able  financier.  He  was  born  in  New- 
ton, Mass. 

The  Board  of  Directors  comprise  many  of  the 
leading  manufacturers  and  merchants  of  the 
town,  and  under  past  and  present  management, 
the  Danbury  National  Bank  ranks  as  one  of 
the  best  conducted  solid  financial  institutions  in 
the  State. 

Hawley  Bradley,  Carriage  Repository,  Sales, 
Boarding  and  Livery  Stables,  314  Main  Street. — 
For  the  past  quarter  of  a  century  Mr.  Hawle}r 
Bradley  has  maintained  leadership  in  his  line  of 
trade  in  Danbury,  and  at  present  writing  he 
occupies  a  most  prominent  position  among  the 
business  men  of  this  place. 

His  extensive  Sales,  Boarding  and  Livery  Stables 
are  35x300  feet  in  dimensions,  with  first-class 
accommodations  for  seventy-five  head  of  horses, 
as  well  for  the  storage  of  carriages.  He  keeps 
for  livery  purposes  about  forty  teams,  and  his 
turnouts  are  stylish,  serviceable  and  reliable. 
The  accommodations  for  boarding  horses  are  all 
that  could  be  desired,  and  terms  are  uniformly 
reasonable  and  satisfaction  guaranteed. 

Mr.  Bradley  is  one  of  the  largest  dealers  in 
horses  in  New  England,  and  one  of  the  most 
reliable.  He  brings  car  loads  of  the  finest  Cana- 
dian and  Western  horses  to  this  place,  for  which 
he  has  a  constant  demand,  and  his  operations 
require  the  employment  of  ten  workmen. 

Mr.  Bradley  is  a  progressive,  public-spirited 
business  man  and  most  estimable  citizen,  and 
possesses  the  fullest  confidence  of  all  with  whom 
he  is  brought  into  business  relations. 

He  carries  in  stock  a  fine  and  large  assortment 
of  carriages,  and  is  able  to  meet  eveiy  require- 
ment of  customers. 


178 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  D ANBURY. 


J.  N.  Robertson,  Carpenter  and  Builder,  8 
Crosby  Street. — No  persons  have  striven  with 
greater  zeal  during  the  time  since  his  establish- 
ment to  bring  to  the  front  that  branch  of  indus- 
try in  which  they  labor  than  has  Mr.  J.  N.  Rob- 
ertson, and  he  has  been  rewarded,  for  to-day  he 
occupies  a  leading  position  in  the  building  trade 
of  Danbury,  and  has  acquired  a  fame  for  the  re- 
liable and  substantial  manner  in  which  he  fulfills 
his  contracts,  excelled  by  none  of  his  contempo- 
raries. 

This  business  was  established  by  its  present 
proprietor,  Mr.  J.  N.  Robertson,  in  1877,  who 
is  a  thoroughly  experienced  and  practical  builder, 
and  all  work  undertaken  by  him  is  accomplished 
under  his  personal  supervision. 

The  premises  occupied  by  him  are  convenient- 
ly located  at  8  Crosby  street,  and  comprise  a 
building  40x70  feet  in  dimensions,  which  is 
equipped  with  all  the  improved  machinery  and 
steam  power  necessary  for  Wood  Working  of  all 
kinds,  such  as  Moulding,  Turning,  etc. 

Mr.  Robertson  gives  employment  to  twelve 
skilled  workmen,  and  his  business  operations 
consist  of  the  erection  of  buildings  and  all  kinds 
of  carpenter  work.  He  has  erected  many  of  the 
private  residences  and  business  blocks  which 
grace  our  city,  as  well  as  many  pretentious  edi- 
fices throughout  the  adjoining  towns. 

It  is  a  matter  of  the  greatest  importance  that 
buildings  should  be  erected  with  care  and  of 
good  materials,  and  those  contemplating  build- 
ing of  any  description  will  promote  their  own 
interests  by  consulting  with  Mr.  Robertson  be- 
fore entering  into  contracts  with  other  parties. 

Mr.  Robertson  is  a  native  of  Canada,  and  his 
long  residence  and  business  career  in  this  city 
have  gained  him  the  reputation  of  being  one  of 
the  leading  and  most  reliable  builders  of  Danbury. 

F.  E.  Hartwell  &  Co.,  Dealers  in  Clothing  and 
Gents'  Furnishing  Goods,  199  Main  Street. — 
Among  the  prosperous  business  industries  con- 
ducted in  Danbury,  the  Clothing  and  Gents'  Fur- 
nishing Goods  line  of  trade  occupies  a  prominent 
position,  and  popular  among  those  houses  de- 
voted to  this  line  of  business  is  the  one  conduct- 
ed by  Mr.  F.  E.  Hartwell. 

This  house  was  established  by  Mr.  Hartwell 
(who  is  the  sole  proprietor,  the  company  being 
nominal)  in  1877,  and  during  the  ten  years  since 
its  inception  he  has  been  very  successful  in  build- 
ing up  an  extensive  retail  trade. 

The  premises  occupied  cover  an  area  of  20x98 
feet  in  dimensions,  and  have  excellent  facilities 
for  displaying  the  very  fine  stock  of  goods  car- 
ried, which  consist  of  a  full  and  complete  assort- 
ment of  gentlemen's  clothing  and  furnishing 
goods  of  every  description,  also  a  large  variety  of 
Trunks,  Valises,  Umbrellas,  etc.,  and  in  addition 
to  the  above-named  line  of  goods,  Mr.  Hartwell 
deals  extensively  in  horse  clothing,  of  which  he 
carries  a  complete  stock. 

The  extensive  retail  trade  of  this  house  gives 
constant  employment  to  five  very  efficient  clerks 
and  the  details  of  the  business,  which  are  under 
the  direct  supervision  of  the  proprietor,  are 
handled  in  an  able  and  energetic  manner. 

Mr.  Hartwell  is  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  an 
excellent  business  manager  of  long  experience, 
and  a  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Danbury. 


D.  S.  Cosier,  Undertaker.  Coffins,  Caskets 
and  Shrouds,  the  Best  in  Market,  Kept  on  Hand. 
809  Main  Street. — In  a  work  of  this  kind,  which 
treats  of  the  resources  of  the  city  of  Danbury, 
and  which  is  destined  to  be  read  by  the  entire 
community,  it  is  of  course  not  out  of  place  for  us 
to  speak  of  an  establishment  where,  when  our 
citizens  are  in  bereavement,  they  will  be  able  to 
find  everything  requisite  for  a  funeral.  The  es- 
tablishment we  have  reference  to  is  the  one  con- 
ducted by  Mr.  D.  S.  Cosier,  undertaker,  located 
at  No.  309  Main  Street.  He  established  his 
business  in  1869,  and  during  the  eighteen  years 
since  that  date  has  so  conducted  it  that  to-day  he 
possesses  the  esteem  and  confidence  of  a  large 
portion  of  this  community  as  one  of  the  most  re- 
liable parties  to  consult  in  times  of  need.  Mr. 
Cosier  deals  extensively  in  coffins,  caskets  and 
shrouds,  and  constantly  keeps  on  hand  as  fine  an 
assortment  as  can  be  found  in  this  city.  His  fine 
wareroom  and  private  morgue  is  located  at  the 
above  named  address,  where  all  orders  are  re- 
ceived and  promptly  executed,  funerals  attended 
to  on  short  notice,  hearses  furnished,  and  coaches 
to  meet  the  cars  at  all  hours.  Bodies  laid  out  and 
prepared  for  burial  night  or  day.  Mr.  Cosier 
and  his  very  capable  assistants  are  considerate 
and  thoughtful  in  their  attention  to  all  patrons. 

Mr.  Cosier  is  a  native  of  New  Fairfield,  Ct. , 
but  has  been  a  resident  of  Danbury  for  many 
years,  where  he  has  gained  a  highly  honorable 
record.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity. 

Joseph  T.  Bates  &  Co.,  Dealers  in  Western 
Lumber  and  Timber.  Southern  Yellow  Pine, 
Walnut,  White  Wood,  Oak  and  Spruce  Flooring. 
Yard  near  N .  Y.  &  N.  E.  R.  R.  depot,  on  Canal 
Street. — A  leading  house  in  the  lumber  trade  of 
Danbury,  and  one  of  the  principal  concerns  in 
this  section  is  that  of  Messrs  Joseph  T.  Bates  & 
Co.  The  extensive  business  carried  by  these 
representative  merchants  was  established  in  1873 
by  the  senior  partner,  the  firm  as  now  constituted 
succeeding  him  in  1883. 

The  office  and  large  yards  of  Messrs  Bates  & 
Co.  are  eligibly  located  with  reference  to  ship- 
ment and  receipt  of  merchandise,  on  Canal 
street,  near  the  Housatonic  railroad  depot,  the 
premises  being  admirably  arranged  for  dry 
storage,  etc.,  and  the  stock  of  merchandise  is  as 
large  and  complete  as  that  of  any  other  lumber 
dealer  in  Fairfield  County.  Messrs  Bates  &  Co., 
have  a  large  city  and  out  town  Western  Lumber 
and  Timber  trade  in  Southern  Yellow  Pine,  Wal- 
nut, White  wood,  Oak  and  Spruce  flooring,  be- 
sides seasoned  clapboards,  shingles,  pickets, 
fence  railing,  posts,  sheathing  and  flooring,  and 
supply  merchandise  of  standard  excellence  at 
lowest  wholesale  prices,  and  the  great  facilities 
for  trade,  honorable  business  methods  and  punc- 
tuality of  the  firm  make  their  house  a  most  desir- 
able and  popular  spurce  of  supply. 

Messrs  J.  T  Bates  and  Wm.  A.  Burkett  are 
the  individual  members  of  the  firm.  The  former 
is  a  native  of  Danbury  and  the  latter  was  born  in 
Falls  Village,  Ct.  Both  are  energetic,  liberal,  pro- 
gressive business  men,  and  enjoy  the  fullest  confi- 
dence of  their  customers  and    correspondents. 

In  Lepeer,  Michigan,  the  firm  have  in  stock 
2,000,000  feet,  and  1,000,000  feet  on  hand  here. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  D ANBURY. 


179 


Turner  House,  Commercial  rates  $2.50  per 
day.  Free  Carriage  to  and  from  all  Trains.  W. 
M.  Butler,  Manager;  J.  S.  Bliss,  Proprietor.-— 
The  Turner  House,  by  far  the  finest  hotel  build- 
ing in  Danbury,  and  one  of  the  most  imposing 
structures  of  any  kind  in  the  town,  is  one  of 
the  eminently  popular  and  well  conducted  hostel- 
ries  and  pleasant  summer  resorts  in  New  En- 
gland. It  was  built  about  thirty-five  years  ago 
by  Mr.  Turner,  a  famous  showman  in  his  day, 
and  for  five  years  has  been  conducted  by  Col.  J. 
S.  Bliss  as  proprietor,  and  Mr.  W.  M.  Butler  as 
the  popular  and  efficient  manager. 

Extensive  additions  were  made  to  the  building 
in  1883,  at  which  time  every  modern  improvement 
was  introduced  and  the  capacity  of  the  house 
was  doubled.  The  building  is  a  handsome,  four 
story  brick  structure,  fronting  on  the  Park,  with 
spacious  piazzas  extending  along  three  sides  of 
the  building,  and  all  the  surroundings  are  de- 
lightful. The  rooms,  sixty  in  number,  are  mod- 
els of  elegance  and  comfort  in  their  arrangements 
and  appointments,  and  there  is  not  in  New  En- 
gland a  more  desirable  place  as  a  summer  resi- 
dence, or  as  an  elegant  home  at  all  seasons. 

The  menu  is  unsurpassed,  and  the  service  all 
that  could  be  desired  by  the  most  exacting,  and 
an  air  of  refinement  and  comfort  pervades  every 
department. 

Col.  Bliss,  the  proprietor,  is  a  New  York  man 
by  birth,  and  won  his  military  title  by  faithful 
service  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  as  an  aid  on 
the  staff  of  Gen.  Newton,  afterwards  chief  en- 
gineer of  the  United  States  Army.  He  is  a  cul- 
tured, courteous  gentleman  of  fine  social  and 
business  qualities,  and  is  also  one  of  the  proprie- 
tors of  the  Wooster  House  in  Danbury. 

Mr.  Butler,  the  competent  and  obliging  mana- 
ger, is  a  New  Haven  man  by  birth,  and  is  one  of 
the  most  popular  hotel  men  in  the  State. 

The  rates  are  from  $2.50  to  $3.00  per  day, 
with  special  rates  to  commercial  travelers  and 
those  remaining  for  a  length  of  time. 

C.  H.  Wilcox,  Eureka  Feed  Mill,  310  Main 
Street. — It  would  be  an  almost  impossible  task 
to  compute  the  vast  amount  of  Flour,  Feed, 
Grain  and  Hay,  etc.,  that  are  annually  sold 
through  the  medium  of  the  merchants  of  Dan- 
bury. 


One  of  the  oldest  and  best  known 
houses  in  the  city  devoted  to  the  sale 
of  these  and  kindred  products  was 
founded  in  I860  by  Mr.  G.  S.  Dis- 
brow. 

In  1880,  Mr.  Disbrow,  the  founder 
of  the  concern,  and  father  in-law  of 
the  present  proprietor,  died.  Since 
then  Mr.  Wilcox  has  been  the  sole  pro- 
prietor. 

The  premises  utilized  for  the  trans- 
action of  this  business  are  located  at 
310  Main  street,  and  occupy  two 
floors  of  the  building,  each  40x60  feet 
in  dimensions,  which  are  well  stocked 
with  Flour,  Grain,  Feed,  etc. 

All  goods  are  received  direct  from 
producers  and  manufacturers,  and  as 
every  facility  for  doing  a  large  business 
is  at  command,  combining  ample  cap- 
ital with  energy,  enterprise  and  expe- 
rience it  is  not  surprising  that  Mr.  Wilcox  should 
enjoy  the  confidence  of  a  wide  circle  of  patrons, 
and  control  a  large  wholesale  and  retail  business 
trade  in  Danbury  and  the  surrounding  towns. 
The  extent  to  which  this  trade  has  reached  re- 
quires the  employment  of  six  assistants,  and  the 
large  stock  constantly  carried  will  always  be 
found  uniform  in  general  good  qualities  and 
color,  which  are  unsurpassed  in  this  market.  Mr. 
Wi'cox  is  a  native  of  Danbury,  and  in  conclusion 
we  may  be  permitted  to  say  that  the  reputation 
enjoyed  by  him  from  the  inception  of  his  business 
for  reliable  goods  and  low  prices  has  been  main- 
tained to  the  present  day,  and  those  in  quest  of 
any  of  these  goods  will  conserve  their  own  inter- 
ests by  trading  at  this  establishment. 


Folsom's  Photograph  Studio,  197  Main  Street. 
— It  is  wonderful  to  contemplate  the  degree  of 
perfection  which  has  been  attained  in  the  art  of 
photography  within  late  years,  and  this  is  mainly 
due  to  the  improvements  that  have  been  attained 
in  the  process  of  its  operations,  and  in  no  branch 
of  the  arts  have  more  marked  improvements  been 
made  than  in  that  of  photography,  and  the  studio 
located  in  Danbury  that  we  are  particularly  de- 
sirous of  calling  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  is 
the  one  now  conducted  by  Mrs.  J.  H.  Folsom. 
This  business  was  established  in  1872  by  Mr.  J. 
H.  Folsom,  and  ably  managed  by  him  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1883,  since  which  date 
the  business  has  been  conducted  by  Mrs.  Folsom. 

The  premises  occupied  are  located  in  the  sec- 
ond and  third  floors  of  the  building,  and  com- 
prise several  large  reception  and  operating  rooms. 
The  reception  rooms  are  handsomly  furnished 
and  decorated  with  pictures  of  all  descriptions, 
and  the  operating  rooms  are  well  supplied  with 
all  the  new  and  modern  improvements,  and  the 
various  facilities  required  in  the  conduct  of  the 
business. 

Employment  is  given  to  four  very  capable 
assistants,  whose  talent  and  artistic  tastes  are 
displayed  in  the  many  fine  productions  of  this 
establishment,  which  has  gained  the  just  reputa- 
tion of  being  the  largest  in  town,  and  producing 
the  best  and  most  reliable  work.  Perfect  satis- 
faction is  guaranteed  in  all  descriptions  of  work 
undertaken  by  this  house. 


180 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  D ANBURY. 


I 

1 


W.  O.  HOYT, 


i 


fe 


*  It/usicglI 
L"i-CFcr)a:r)cli 


ise. 


DANBURY.    CORN. 


A  most  desirable  place  in  Danbury  for  the 
purchase  of  Pianos,  Organs  and  musical  merchan- 
dise generally,  is  that  of  Mr.  W.  O.  Hoyt.  This 
representative  dealer  established  himself  in 
business  here  in  1879,  and  has  from  the  begin- 
ning met  with  decided  and  deserved  success. 
His  large  and  handsomely  appointed  store  room 
is  filled  to  its  utmost  capacity  with  an  elegant 
assortment  of  Weber  and  Shoninger  Pianos  and 
Mason  &  Hamlin's  Organs,  besides  a  full  line  of 
Sheet  Music,  Music  Books  and  publications,  and 
musical  merchandise  of  every  description.  Mr. 
Hoyt  supplies  everything  in  his  line  at  lowest 
prices  for  cash,  and  instruments  are  warranted 
and  satisfaction  guaranteed  in  every  instance. 

Being  a  publisher  and  importer  of  sheet  music 
he  is  able  to  furnish  either  at  wholesale  or  retail. 
Four  polite  and  attentive  assistants  are  employed 
and  all  are  treated  in  a  courteous  manner. 

Mr.  Hoyt  is  a  native  of  Danbury  and  is  highly 
esteemed.  He  enjoys  unsurpassed  facilities  for 
successfully  conducting  a  large  trade.  He  is 
reliable  and  responsible  in  business  and  has  won 
success  in  trade  here  through  his  sterling  worth 
and  ability. 

Holbrook  &  Taylor,  Wholesale  and  Retail 
Dealers  in  Boots,  Shoes,  Rubbers,  Etc.  Opposite 
Town  Clock,  Main  Street. — There  is  nothing 
which  contributes  more  directly  to  the  metropol- 
itan character  of  a  city  than  the  establishment  of 
enterprising  and  reliable  houses,  thereby  aug- 
menting the  facilities  of  supply,  and  inducing 
trade  to  the  given  centre. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  advantages  of 
Danbury  in  this  respect  heretofore  it  must  be 
admitted  by  all  who  give  the  subject  considera- 
tion, that  the  past  few  years  have  demonstrated 
its  ability  to  cope  successfully  with  any  city  of 
its  size  in  the  inducements  presented  to  the  gen- 
eral trade. 

Among  the  important  accessions  to  this  branch 
of  trade  (namely  Boots,  Shoes  and  Rubbers),  is 
the  house  of  Holbrook  &  Taylor,  which  was  es- 


9ll ck\ovt  &  SCcuvhI 


tablished  some  years  ago  by  Benedict  Brothers,, 
and  under  the  present  management  one  year,  and 
which  occupies  two  floors  18x100  feet,  in  a  build- 
ing located  on  Main  street,  opposite  town  clock. 
These  premises  are  stocked  with  every  variety  of 
the  most  desirable  Boots,  Shoes  and  Rubbers  for 
men,  women,  boys,  youths,  misses  and  children, 
of  all  the  various  grades  suited  to  the  market. 

The  facilities  enjoyed  by  the  house  embrace  the 
most  desirable  relations  with  reliable  manufac- 
turers for  supplying  that  class  of  goods  they  can 
with  confidence  commend  to  the  trade. 

The  individual  members  of  the  firm  are  Messrs. 
Elijah  Holbrook  and  Hewell  Taylor,  both  natives 
of  Massachusetts,  and  gentlemen  well  known  as 
being  closely  allied  to  the  commercial  prosperity 
of  the  city. 

Their  trade  is  very  extensive  and  is  both  whole- 
sale and  retail.  Several  find  employment  with 
this  house  in  their  various  departments. 

In  conclusion  we  would  say  that  with  experience 
in  the  business, and  possessing  those  essential  qual- 
ities of  progression  which  keep  pace  with  the 
spirit  of  the  times,  the  house  of  Messrs.  Holbrook 
&  Taylor  presents  to  the  public  unsurpassed  ad- 
vantages as  one  with  which  to  establish  business 
relations. 

George  R.  Stevens,  Artists'  Materials  Pic- 
tures, Frames  and  Mouldings  and  Fine  Station- 
ery, 89  White  Street. — In  a  volume  such  as  this, 
which  treats  of  the  manifold  industries  of  Dan- 
bury, it  is  evident  that  those  branches  of  trade 
and  manufacture  which  are  dependent  on  the 
work  of  the  artist,  must  necessarily  occupy  a 
prominent  place. 

Of  these  not  the  least  important  is  the  manu- 
facture of  Picture  Frames  and  the  dealing  in 
Artists'  Materials;  and  to  obtain  those  of  the  best 
quality  is  an  important  point  for  the  artist  to  con- 
sider, to  the  end  that  his  work  shall  be  properly 
executed  and  finished. 

Mr.  George  R.  Stevens,  who  is  engaged  in  the 
above  named  business,  established  his  house  in 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  D ANBURY. 


181 


April,  1887,  and  although  of  such  very  recent  in- 
ception has  already  become  known  to  the  trade 
as  a  prominent,  substantial  and  trustworthy 
house  for  the  sale  of  art  goods,  etc. 

The  premises  are  located  at  89  White  street, 
and  consist  of  a  store  and  basement  each  20x50 
feet  in  dimensions,  where  will  be  found  a  full  and 
complete  assortment  of  Artists'  Materials,  Pic- 
tures, Frames,  Mouldings  and  Fine  Stationery. 
Frames  for  Folsom's  Solars  a  specialty. 

Mr.  Stevens  is  a  native  of  Danbury,  and  we 
may  say  that  he  is  in  the  possession  of  facilities 
that  enable  him  to  offer  to  the  trade  as  fine  a 
quality  of  Artists'  Materials  as  can  be  found  in 
the  market,  and  in  all  departments  of  his  business 
he  has  inducements  to  offer  not  elsewhere  to  be 
duplicated. 

The  R.  A.  Belden  Co.,  Sole  Manufacturers 
of  Hat  Machinery. — In  a  field  of  usefulness  as 
wide  as  the  range  of  iron  manufactures,  The  R. 
A.  Belden  Co.  have  for  years  occupied  a  promi- 
nent place  among  the  leaders  of  industrial 
enterprise  in  Southwestern  Connecticut,  and  in 
the  line  of  its  specialties  the  concern  maintains 
acknowledged  leadership  in  this  section. 

The  works  of  the  company  at  Danbury  are  a 
model  of  completeness  in  arrangement  and  ap 
pointments,  and  consist  of  a  substantial  two- 
story  building,  30x100  feet  in  dimensions,  with 
large  extensions,  su  plied  with  every  appliance 
for  intended  purposes,  the  valuable  machinery 
being  driven  by  steam. 

About  thirty  experienced  workmen  are  em- 
ployed in  the  several  departments  of  the  estab- 
lishment in  the  manufacture  of  machinery  de- 
signed and  patented  by  Mr.  Belden,  a  successful 
inventor  of  genius,  whose  improvements  in  some 
of  the  heavy  machinery  for  the  working  of  iron 
are  recognized  as  the  nearest  approach  to  perfec- 
tion as  yet  attained  in  this  branch  of  manufactures. 

To  iron  masters  throughout  New  England  and 
the  Middle  States,  the  Belden  Upright  Power 
Hammer  is  known  as  a  most  desirable  improve- 
ment in  the  forging  of  metals,  and  his  extra 
heavy  crank  planers,  wrenches  and  tongues  are 
unsurpassed. 

The  company  manufacture  the  famous  Guthrie 
and  Climax  Wrenches,  and  all  kinds  of  iron  and 
steel  drop  forgings,  and  their  facilities  of  supply 
are  fully  adequate  to  the  requirements  of  iron 
masters  everywhere. 

As  there  have  been  placed  in  the  market  Hat 
Forming  and  Fur  Blowing  Machines  manufac- 
tured in  imitation  of  or  after  the  same  manner  as 
those  made  by  them  in  accordance  with  Letters 
Patent  No.  331,180,  granted  to  Russell  A.  Bel- 
den, November  24th,  1885,  for  improvements  in 
Turn  Tables  for  Hat  Forming  Machines,  and  No. 
331,181,  granted  to  Russell  A.  Belden,  Novem- 
ber 24th,  1885,  for  improvement  in  Bearers  for 
Fur  Blowing  Machines,  they  call  attention  to 
the  fact  that  all  Hat  Forming  or  Fur  Blowing 
Machines  of  this  description  made  or  sold  by 
any  parties  other  than  ourselves,  are  made  and 
sold  in  direct  infringement  of  said  Letters  Patent. 

Mr.  R.  A.  Belden,  the  head  of  this  reliable 
concern,  is  a  New  England  man  by  birth,  and 
was  successfully  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
iron  machinery  for  seven  years  prior  to  his  re- 
moval to  Danbury  in  1871. 


H.  D.  Smith,  Drugs  and  Medicines,  87  White 
Street. — Since  October,  1885,  the  Drug  estab- 
lishment of  H.  D.  Smith  has  been  prominently 
identified  with  this  branch  of  industry  in  Dan- 
bury, conducing  in  no  small  degree  to  the  repu- 
tation of  the  city  for  possessing  good  and  reliable 
druggists. 

This  establishment  is  located  at  87  White 
Street,  and  will  be  found  neat,  spacious,  attrac- 
tive and  eminently  in  keeping  with  the  excellent 
reputation  it  has  attained  as  one  of  the  leading 
houses  in  the  city  for  pure  and  unadulterated 
Drugs  and  Medicines. 

The  premises  occupied  by  Mr.  Smith  comprise 
a  store  18x40  feet  in  dimensions,  which  is  fitted 
up  with  every  facility  for  the  successful  conduct 
of  his  steadily  increasing  trade.  The  stock  here 
displayed  evinces  the  finest  taste  in  its  selection 
and  embodies  everything  desired  in  the  line  of 
Medicines  and  Drugs,  also  a  large  variety  of 
Fancy  and  Toilet  articles,  and  in  fact  everything 
included  in  Druggists'  sundries.  Mr.  Smith,  who 
is  a  thorough  pharmacist,  has  the  assistance  of  a 
very  reliable  and  experienced  clerk,  and  all 
prescriptions  entrusted  to  his  care  are  guaranteed 
to  be  compounded  in  a  most  careful  and  accurate 
manner. 

Mr.  Smith  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  having 
in  the  judgment  of  his  fellow  citizens  been  found 
worthy  of  entire  confidence  and  esteem.  In 
conclusion,  we  can  but  assure  the  residents  of 
Danbury  that  all  transactions  entered  into  with 
this  house  will  be  both  pleasant  and  profitable. 


G.  F.  Richardson,  Dealer  in  Flour,  Grain, 
Feed,  Hay  and  Straw,  194  Main  Street.— The 
commercial  importance  of  this  city  has  been 
greatly  enhanced  by  the  untiring  activity  of  her 
merchants  in  attracting  to  this  market  a  wide- 
spread and  annually  increasing  trade  from  the 
surrounding  country,  by  means  of  low  prices  and 
fine  quality  of  goods.  A  prominent  house  in  the 
Flour  and  Grain  trade  of  this  city,  and  one  that 
enjoys  a  large  patronage  throughout  the  city  and 
vicinity  is  that  of  Mr.  G.  F.  Richardson,  which 
was  founded  over  forty  years  ago  by  Mr. 
G.  Cranford,  its  present  proprietor  succeeding  to 
the  business  in  1882,  and  has  since  built  up  the 
large  and  growing  trade. 

Mr.  Richardson  occupies  the  premises  located 
194  Main  street  (which  cover  an  area  of  18x6  feet) 
as  an  office,  and  has  an  extensive  warehouse  out- 
side for  the  storage  of  his  immense  stock  of 
Flour,  Grain,  Feed,  Hay  and  Straw. 

Mr.  Richardson  has  the  assistance  of  two  very 
reliable  clerks  and  the  business  which  is  mostly 
retail,  is  efficiently  handled  and  all  orders  are 
promptly  attended  to.  In  all  respects  this  es- 
tablishment is  a  credit  to  the  city,  and  the  success 
it  has  attained  is  the  well  merited  reward  of  an 
honorable  and  liberal  business  policy. 

Mr.  Richardson  is  a  native  of  Danbury  and 
closely  identified  with  the  commercial  advance- 
ment of  this  community,  as  well  as  thoroughly 
awake  to  all  matters  that  will  accrue  to  the  bene- 
fit of  his  customers. 

In  view  of  what  we  have  recorded,  Mr.  Rich- 
ardson is  well  deserving  of  the  support  which  has 
been  extended  to  him — a  support  which  is,  and 
will  continue  to  be  well  merited. 


182 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  DAN  BURY. 


HReed  &  Co.,  Dealers  in  Drugs  and  Medicines, 
■etc.,  143  Main  Street. — One  of  the  most  neces- 
sary and  convenient  branches  of  industry  to  a 
community  is  a  well  conducted  drug  establish- 
ment, and  the  one  to  which  we  refer  here  is  well 
known  as  among  the  best  arranged  and  most  ably 
conducted  establishments  of  its  kind  in  Danbury. 
The  proprietor,  Mr.  G.  H.  Reed,  is  a  thorough 
pharmacist  and  employs  as  assistants  only  capa- 
ble and  courteous  clerks. 

This  house  was  established  in  1885  by  its 
present  proprietor,  Ms.  Reed,  who  is  the  sole 
manager,  the  company  being  nominal. 

The  store  occupied  by  him  is  located  at  143 
Main  street,  and  covers  an  area  of  20x60  feet  in 
dimensions,  which  is  handsomely  and  conven- 
iently arranged,  nicely  furnished  and  supplied 
with  all  the  modern  improvements  in  way  of 
elegant  soda  fountain,  show  cases  and  windows. 
In  the  two  last  named  are  tastefully  displayed 
the  elegant  and  attractive  assortment  of  Fancy 
articles,  and  Fancy  Toilet  goods  dealt  in.  The 
extensive  retail  trade  requires  the  employment 
of  two  clerks,  who  are  thoroughly  conversant 
with  the  details  of  the  business,  which  is  man- 
aged under  the  direct  supervision  of  the  proprie- 
tor, and  all  patrons  are  assured  that  none  but  the 
purest  drugs  and  medicines  are  here  offered  for 
sale.  All  prescriptions  are  accurately  and 
promptly  compounded. 

Mr.  Reed  is  a  native  of  Danbury,  Connecticut, 
and  in  commending  his  house  to  the  trade  at 
large,  we  but  reflect  the  general  reputation  it 
bears  in  this  community  by  saving  that  its  pro- 
ducts may  in  every  instance  be  implicitly  relied 
upon. 

H.  A.  Addis  &  Son,  Largest  Grocers  in 
Danbury;  Best  Teas  in  the  Market;  Wood, 
Charcoal,  Hay,  Feed,  etc.;  also,  Blacksmithing, 
Carriage  Building  and  Livery  Stables,  371  Main 
Street. — This  well  known  house  has  for  years 
been  identified  with  the  industrial  and  commer- 
cial growth  of  Danbury,  and  the  operations  of 


the  firm  as  dealers  in  groceries  and  provisions, 
and  blacksmiths  and  wagon  manufacturers, 
mark  them  as  leaders  in  their  several  branches 
of  business  in  this  town. 

The  Grocery  establishment  was  founded  in 
1873,  by  Messrs.  Addis  &  Son,  and  has  been 
carried  on  with  most  decided  success  under 
the  able  management  of  the  junior  member  of 
the  firm. 

Their  store  is  eligibly  located  at  No.  371  Main 
street,  their  premises  occupying  several  large 
rooms,  covering  an  area  of  4,500  square  feet, 
with  every  facility  for  storage  of  merchandise 
and  transaction  of  business. 

The  stock  comprises  everything  desirable  in 
Choice  Groceries,  Provisions, Teas, Coffees,Canned 
I  Goods,  Provisions  and  Produce  generally,  hesides 
j  Wood,  Charcoal,  Hay,  etc.,  and  the  great  facilities 
j  of  the  house  for  supplying  reliable  merchandise 
at  bottom  prices  make  this  one  of  the  most  popu- 
|  lar  sources  of  family  supply  in  the  town. 

The  Blacksmithing  and  Carriage  Building   is 

j  conducted  under  the  immediate  supervision  of 

|  Mr.  H.  A.  Addis,  an  experienced   master  in  this 

line  of  industry,  and  orders  for  new  and  repair 

work  are    filled  with    dispatch  at  satisfactory 

prices  in  the  best  manner. 

In  connection  with  their  other  business  they 
carry  on  a  fine  Livery  Stable  containing  eleven 
horses,  which  is  open  day  and  night.  A  fine  Feed 
Business  is  conducted  at  the  old  store,  369  Main 
street. 

Messrs.  H.  A.  &  Seth  P.  Addis  comprise  this 
reliable  firm  They  are  both  natives  of  this 
town,  and  occupy  prominent  places  in  trade  and 
social  circles. 

David  Beers,  Lumber  and  Coal;  also,  agent 
for  Oil  Stoves,  Corner  Main  and  Elm  Streets. — 
In  describing  the  manufacturing  and  commercial 
advantages  of  Danbury,  we  find  a  variety  of 
enterprises  that  are  worthy  of  notice  in  a  work 
of  this  character,  and  which  conduce  in  no  small 
degree   to  giving  the  city  the    reputation    she 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  DAXBURT. 


1*3 


enjoys  as  bang  a  great  center  from  which  to 
obtain  any  desired  merchandise.  Among  others, 
we  may  mention  the  Lumber  and  Coal  business 
of  Mr.  David  Beers,  who  is  located  at  the  corner 
of  Main  and  the  New  England  Railroad  cross- 
ing. 

This  business  was  established  by  its  present 
proprietor  in  1884,  since  which  date  he  has  been 
so  successful  that  to  day  he  is  doing  a  large 
business  in  the  Lumber  and  Coal  trade. 

The  premises  occupied  for  this  wholesale  and 
retail  trade  cover  an  area  of  one  half  an  acre, 
with  sheds  which  are  well  stocked  with  the  best 
Lumber  and  Coal  to  be  obtained  in  the  State. 
The  services  of  ten  men  and  seven  teams  are 
required  to  transact  and  keep  pace  with  the 
increasing  business. 

Mr.  Beers  is  a  native  of  Roxbury,  Conn.,  an 
energetic  and  enterprising  business  man.  In 
connection  with  this  already  named  business, 
Mr.  Beers  acts  as  agent  for  Oil  Stoves,  in  which 
he  carries  a  fine  line. 

Christian  Quien,  Real  Estate,  Starr's  Block, 
Main  Street  — Prominent  among  the  most  reliable 
and  leading  Real  EstateAgents  located  in  Danbury, 
is  Mr.  Christian  Quien,  who  established  his  busi- 
ness in  1871  and  during  the  fifteen  years  since  that 
date,  has  established  a  reputation  for  always  being 
found  prompt,  accurate  and  thoroughly  reliable  in 
all  business  transactions. 

The  premises  utilized  by  him  comprise  an  office 
located  on  the  second  floor  of  the  building  situat- 
ed on  Main  street  and  known  as  Starr's  block, 
where  Mr.  Quien  will  be  found  constantly  in 
readiness  to  conduct  every  department  of  the 
Real  Estate  business,  such  as  buying  and  selling 
of  Real  Estate,  collecting  rents  and  claims,  and 
negotiating  Foreign  Exchanges,  etc.  His  highly 
esteemed  opinion  is  constantly  solicited  by  all 
classes  who  are  desirous  of  assis'ance  in  this  line 
of  trade.  He  is  ever  attentive  and  obliging  to  all 
clients,  and  has  therefore  gained  a  well  merited 
and  widespread  popularity. 

Persons  entrusting  tbe  care  of  their  property 
to  Mr.  Quien,  either  for  the  sale  of  real  estate  or 
the  collection  of  rents,  can  rely  upon  its  being 
promptly  attended  to  in  the  most  reliable  man- 
ner. Persons  suffering  from  temporary  embar- 
rassment and  desirous  of  hiring  the  use  of 
money,  will  find  Mr.  Quien  a  fair  and  honorable 
business  man,  too  bish  minded  to  take  advan- 
tage or  charge  exorbitant  rates.  By  bis  honora- 
ble upright  career  he  has  won  the  confidence  and 
respect  of  the  citizens  of  Danbury. 

H.  M.  Robinson,  Watches,  Jewelry,  Silver- 
ware, Books  and  Stationery,  189  Main  Street. — 
A  business  enterprise,  which  by  reason  alike  of 
its  old  establishment  and  the  push  and  energy 
shown  in  its  management,  can  hardly  fail  to  be 
universally  known  to  our  readers,  is  that  con- 
ducted by  Mr.  H.  M.  Robinson. 

The  inception  of  this  business  was  in  1854 
when  it  was  founded  by  Mr.  Huntington,  who  in 
1859  became  associated  with  the  present  proprie- 
tor under  the  name  of  Huntington  &  Robinson. 
Mr.  Robinson  has  had  sole  contiol  for  the  past 
twenty-five  years,  during  which  time  the  growth 
of  the  business  has  been  steady  and  large.     The 


main    store  occupied   is  of  the  dimensions  of 
'211x75  feel. 

A  very  heavy  and  varied  stock  is  carried  of 
watches,  clocks,  jewelry,  silverware,  etc.  As 
well  as  a  full  line  of  fancy  articles,  optical  goods, 
books,  stationery  and  kindred  wares.  The  trade 
is  wholly  retail  and  has  reached  large  propor- 
tions, as  it  has  long  been  known  to  the  residents 
of  Danbury  and  vicinity  that  this  establishment  is 
a  most  excellent  place  in  which  to  make  pur- 
chases. Mr.  Robinson  is  a  native  of  Ashford,  Ct., 
and  is  one  of  the  best  known  of  our  veteran  mer- 
chants. 

Charles  Rider,  Insurance  (Fire,  Life  and  Acci- 
dent) Starr's  Block,  Main  Street. — Careful  and 
painstaking  study  and  research  is  the  price  paid 
for  material  advancement  in  any  line  of  endeavor, 
and  in  nothing  is  this  more  strictly  true  than  in 
that  relating  to  insurance.  Thousands,  yes  mil- 
lions, of  figures  have  been  gone  over  again  and. 
again  and  the  tables  of  mortality  have  been 
closely  perused  and  thoroughly  digested  in  order 
to  offer  to  the  publ  c  the  many  inestimable  ad- 
vantages derived  from  Fire  and  Life  Insurance 
to-day.  The  insurance  business  enlists  the  ser- 
vices of  many  of  the  most  energetic  and  enter- 
prising of  our  men  of  business,  and  among  these 
may  be  mentioned  Mr.  Charles  Rider,  whose  of- 
fice is  in  Starr's  Block,  Main  street. 

This  gentleman  who  established  his  present 
business  about  a  year  ago,  occupies  two  neat  of- 
fices in  the  block  referred  to,  and  represents  the 
following  reliable  companies:  Gltnn's  Falls,. 
Milwaukee;  Mechanics,  American,  of  New 
York;  Merchants  of  Newark,  Pacific,  New 
Hampshire;  and  Washington  Fire  and  Marine. 
These  companies  insure  against  fire,  and  Mr. 
Rider  is  also  agent  for  the  Phcenix  Life  of  Hart- 
ford and  the  Fidelity  and  Casualty  Accident  Insur- 
ance Co.  of  New  York.  Risks  are  placed  at 
most  fair  and  reasonable  rates,  and  those  desiring 
insurance  can  obtain  it  in  no  more  desirable  man- 
ner than  through  Mr.  Rider. 

H.  B.  Weed,  Dealer  in  Carriages. — The  car- 
riage business  fills  an  important  place  in  the  list 
of  commercial  houses  of  a  city,  and  a  volume 
such  as  this  would  not  be  comprehensive  with- 
out proper  mention  of  one  of  the  leading  houses 
engaged  in  this  line. 

Therefore  we  take  pleasure  in  giving  due  notice 
to  our  readers  of  the  establishment  of  Mr.  H.  B. 
Weed,  who  carries  on  an  extensive  wholesale  and 
retail  business  in  this  line. 

The  premises,  which  comprise  three  floors, 
each  70x30  feet  in  dimensions,  are  admirably 
and  conveniently  arranged  for  the  display  of  the 
large  and  elegant  stock  of  judiciously  selected 
foreign  and  American  manufactured  Carnages, 
thus  giving  customers  an  infinite  variety  of  pat- 
terns from  which  to  select. 

At  present  employment  is  given  to  seven 
assistants,  and  the  business  is  rapidly  increasing. 

Mr.  Weed  is  a  native  of  Hudson,  New  York, 
and  in  all  respects  his  house  occupies  a  leading 
position  in  the  city,  not  only  with  regard  to  the 
superiority  of  its  stock,  but  also  for  the  enterprise 
of  its  business  policy,  its  liberality  and  prompt- 
ness with  which  all  its  dealings  are  conducted. 


184 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BANBURY. 


Werner  Bros.,  Clothing  and  Gents'  Furnish- 
ings, 225  Main  Street. — With  a  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  the  business  and  after  having  acquired 
the  reputation  of  experts  as  judges  of  fashiona- 
ble male  attire,  Messrs.  Werner  &  Bros,  estab- 
lished in  1879  what  is  now  one  of  the  most  pop- 
ular Clothing  and  Gents'  Furnishing  establish- 
ments of  the  city. 

This  firm  occupy  for  business  purposes  the 
premises  located  at  225  Main  street.  The  line  of 
goods  carried  is  such  as  to  meet  the  wants  of  the 
most  fastidious  and  fashionable,  as  well  as  the 
extremely  plain  or  most  ultra  of  patrons.  The 
store  covers  an  area  of  20x90  feet,  where  the 
very  large  and  complete  stock  is  tastefully  dis- 
played. 

The  trade  of  this  house,  which  is  mostly  retail 
extends  throughout  the  city  and  vicinity.  The 
stock  of  elegant  Clothing  and  Furnishing  Goods 
shown  by  this  firm  embraces  all  the  latest  styles 
and  the  newest  and  most  approved  novelties  of 
the  season. 

In  addition  to  the  close  personal  superintend- 
ence of  the  proprietors,  the  assistance  of  two 
very  capable  clerks  are  required  to  conduct  the 
many  details  of  this  extensive  trade.  Both  mem- 
bers of  the  firm,  Mr.  Morris  and  Elias  Werner, 
are  practical  men  at  the  business,  and  they  have 
acquired  a  well  deserved  reputation  for  sedulous 
attention  to  business,  liberalty  in  all  dealings, 
and  care  in  the  fit  and  fashion  of  garments, 
qualities  which  have  much  to  do  with  the  success 
attained  and  the  present  prominence  of  the 
house. 

F.  T.  Austin,  Successor  to  Austin  Brothers, 
House  Furnishing  Goods,  Carpets.  Oil  Cloths, 
and  Furniture,  191  Main  Street. — In  a  carefully 
prepared  review  of  the  manufacturing  and  com- 
mercial industries  of  Danbury,  and  of  the  men 
who  have  contributed  to  the  proud  position  now 
held  in  the  markets  of  the  world  by  this  city,  es- 
pecial interest  is  attached  to  those  houses  which 
have  been  so  long  established  as  to  be  apart  of  the 
history  of  the  city  itself.  Such  a  house  is  the  one 
now  conducted  by  Mr.  F.  T.  Austin,  dealer  in 
House  Furnishing  Goods,  etc. 

This  business  was  established  by  Mr.  F.  H. 
Austin  many  years  ago  and  successfully  con- 
ducted by  him  until  1877,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  his  two  sons,  who  have  for  the  last  nine  years 
managed  the  business  under  the  firm  name  of 
Austin  Bros. 

In  February,  1887,  Mr.  F.  T.  Austin  assumed 
full  control,  since  which  date  the  business  has 
been  under  his  sole  management.  From  a 
small  beginning  the  citizens  of  Danbury  have 
seen  this  now  splendid  enterprise  grow  to  its 
present  proportions,  and  to  the  sound  judgment 
and  honorable  business  record  of  its  proprietors 
the  success  is  largely  due. 

The  premises  occupied  for  the  transaction  of 
this  business  are  located  at  191  Main  street,  and 
comprise  a  store  25x60  feet  in  dimensions,  with  a 
basement  of  the  same  size,  where  is  displayed  the 
fine  stock  of  Carpets,  Oil  Cloths,  etc.  The  stock 
handled  by  this  house  consists  of  the  largest  and 
most  complete  assortment  of  House  Furnish- 
ings and  Furniture  to  be  found  in  this  city.  In 
the  Upholstering  Department  are  many  specialties 
in  Raw  Silk  and  Lace  Curtains,  Cretonnes,  Cot- 


ton and  Silk  Plushes,  etc.  In  the  Furniture 
Department  all  the  new  and  most  desirable 
styles,  also  a  fine  line  of  Carpets,  Oil  Cloths, 
Rugs,  Wall  Paper,  etc.,  and  in  fact  everything 
requisite  for  a  complete  and  elegant  furnishing  of 
houses. 

This  business,  which  is  mostly  retail,  requires 
the  employment  of  six  very  capable  assistants, 
and  the  details  of  the  business  are  most  ably 
managed  under  the  direct  supervision  of  the  pro- 
prietor. 

Mr.  Austin  is  a  native  of  Danbury;  a  gentle- 
man highly  esteemed  in  social  and  business 
circles. 

Osborne  Brothers,  Dealers  in  Lumber,  112 
White  Street. — With  exceptional  facilities  for 
their  large  trade,  the  above  named  firm  have  for 
nine  years  past  conducted  one  of  the  leading 
lumber  establishments  in  southwestern  Connec- 
ticut, with  their  office  at  112  White  street. 

The  extensive  yards  of  the  firm  are  admirably 
located  and  arranged  with  reference  to  receipt, 
storage  and  shipment  of  merchandise,  and  there 
is  not  in  the  State  a  more  desirable  or  reliable 
source  of  supply. 

The  firm  carry  at  all  times  in  stock  a  large  as- 
sortment of  seasoned  Hard  and  Soft  Lumber  of 
every  description  and  for  all  purposes,  and  sup- 
ply in  large  or  small  quantities,  all  kinds  of 
building  materials  at  short  notice  and  low 
prices,  and  in  a  wide  range  of  business  the 
house  exerts  an  influence  most  commendable. 
The  energy,  business  methods  and  worth  of 
the  Messrs.  Osborne,  command,  at  all  times,  the 
confidence  of  builders  and  consumers  generally. 
Messrs.  Chas.  R.  and  Chester  C.  Osborne  are 
the  individual  members  of  the  firm. 

They  are  natives  of  Danbury  and  are  business 
men  of  ability  and  indomitable  energy,  and  esti- 
mable citizens  in  all  that  is  signified  by  the 
term. 

John  H.  Cosier,  Real  Estate,  309  Main 
Street. — From  the  inception  of  the  above  house  it 
has  been  recognized  as  one  of  the  principal 
realty  concerns  of  the  city,  where  could  be  found 
an  extensive  list  of  the  most  desirable  city  and 
suburban  property,  farms  and  land. 

Since  1868  the  proprietor  of  this  enterprise, 
Mr.  John  H.  Cosier,  has  been  intimately  con- 
nected with  the  business  interests  of  Danbury, 
and  he  has  in  consequence  made  the  venture  a 
great  success,  having  been  engaged  in  this  busi- 
ness longer  than  any  other  real  estate  house  in 
Danbury. 

His  office  is  prominently  located  at  309  Main 
street,  where  he  is  pleased  to  meet  and  accom- 
modate in  any  way  those  interested  in  the  pur- 
chase, sale  or  renting  of  property. 

In  addition  to  his  realty  business,  he  is  pre- 
pared to  loan  money  at  lowest  rates  on  approved 
securities  in  any  amounts,  and  he  will  be  found  a 
safe  medium  for  transacting  business  of  this  na- 
ture. 

Mr.  Cosier  is  a  native  of  New  Fairfield,  Ct. , 
and  is  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Relief,  besides 
holding  other  public  offices.  He  is  well  and 
favorably  known  throughout  this  section,  and  is 
one  of  Danbury's  most  esteemed  citizens. 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  D ANBURY. 


185 


Couch's  Photograph  Gallery,  No.  201 5£ 
Main  Street. — Probably  in  no  branch  of  the 
industrial  arts  has  more  marked  improvement 
been  made  in  recent  years  than  in  that  of  Pho- 
tography, and  it  is  with  pleasure  that  we  call  the 
attention  of  our  readers  to  one  of  the  oldest 
studios  in  Danbury,  which  was  established  in 
1862  by  its  present  proprietor,  Mr.  H.  E. 
Couch. 

The  premises  occupied  by  him  for  the  conduct 
of  the  business  are  located  at  201%  Main  street, 
and  comprise  three  large  reception  and  operating 
rooms. 

The  reception  rooms  are  handsomely  and 
comfortably  furnished,  and  decorated  with  an 
innumerable  variety  of  pictures  of  all  kinds 
mostly  the  production  of  this  establishment. 

The  operating  rooms  are  supplied  with  all  the 
new  and  improved  facilities  for  the  production  of 
the  art. 

The  assistance  of  two  very  skillful  artists  are 
required  in  addition  to  the  close  personal  atten- 
tion of  Mr.  Couch.  Perfect  satisfaction  is  guar- 
anteed in  all  work  performed  at  this  establish- 
ment, which  includes  Photographs  and  Portraits 
of  all  styles  and  sizes. 

Mr.  Couch  has  the  reputation  of  producing 
some  of  the  finest  specimens  in  this  branch  of 
art  ever  offered  in  Danbury. 

Mr.  Couch  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  and  a 
gentleman  of  rare  artistic  ability.  Genial  in 
disposition,  he  has  won  the  esteem  of  the  entire 
community. 

F.  L.  Wilson,  Pictures  and  Picture  Frames, 
261  Main  Street. — The  artistic  tastes  of  a  com- 
munity is  a  sure  index  of  its  refinement  and 
culture,  and  we  are  safe  in  asserting  that  in  no 
city  of  equal  magnitude  is  this  more  evident  than 
in  Danbury. 

This  city  possesses  to  a  marked  degree  in  its 
establishments  every  facility  for  fostering  the 
aesthetic  tastes  of  the  community,  and  it  is  in  a 
large -measure  due  to  houses  like  that  of  Mr.  F. 
L.  Wilson,  which  serves  as  a  prominent  type, 
that  these  to-be  desired  results  have  been  at- 
tained. 

Mr.  Wilson  has  been  established  in  this  line  of 
business  in  Danbury  since  1882,  and  during  the 
period  since  elapsed  this  enterprise  has  steadily 
advanced  in  importance  until  it  has  culminated 
in  achieving  the  strongest  position  in  this  special 
branch  of  trade. 

The  premises  utilized  for  the  business  are 
located  at  261  Main  street,  opposite  the  Post 
Office,  and  comprises  a  store  20x60  feet  in  dimen 
sions,  where  is  tastefully  displayed  the  very  fine 
and  complete  assortment  of  goods  handled  which 
consists  of  a  fine  selection  of  Pictures  and  Picture 
Frames,  Statuettes  and  Art  goods ;  and  in  addition 
to  the  above  mentioned  line  of  goods,  Mr.  Wil- 
son deals  extensively  in  a  choice  assortment  of 
Watches  and  Jewelry. 

Employment  is  given  to  three  very  capable 
and  reliable  clerks,  and  this  extensive  retail  trade, 
which  is  under  the  direct  management  of  Mr. 
Wilson,  is  most  efficiently  handled. 

Mr.  Wilson  makes  a  specialty  of  repairing 
jeweley,  and  all  work  entrusted  to  his  care  is 
executed  in  the  best  manner  possible.  Patrons 
visiting  this  very  fine  establishment,  will  find  it 


possesses  superior  facilities  which  enables  its 
proprietor  to  offer  inducements  difficult  to 
duplicate  elsewhere,  which  will  be  found  both 
pleasant  and  profitable  to  all  purchasers. 

H.  E.  Reed,  Manufacturer  of  and  Dealer  in 
Harness,  Blankets,  Robes,  Whips,  Brushes,  and 
Horse  Goods  of  all  Kinds,  300  Main  Street. — 
With  many  years  practical  experience  as  a  har- 
ness manufacturer,  Mr.  H.  E.  Reed  established 
himself  in  the  business  in  Danbury  in  1878,  and 
his  success  has,  from  the  beginning,  been  decid- 
ed and  continued. 

His  shop  and  salesroom  are  eligibly  located  at 
No.  300  Main  street,  where  can  be  found  a  very 
select  assortment  of  merchandise,  consisting  of 
Harness,  Blankets,  Robes,  Whips,  Brushes  and 
Horse  Goods  generally.  The  facilities  of  Mr. 
Reed  for  supplying  first  class  merchandise  to 
order,  and  from  stock  on  hand  are  unsurpassed, 
and  have  made  his  establishment  one  of  the  fav- 
orite resorts  for  owners  of  horses,  wishing  any- 
thing that  is  required  in  his  line. 

Orders  for  all  kinds  of  new  and  repair  work 
are  executed  with  dispatch  and  at  most  reasona- 
ble prices,  and  in  all  his  dealings  Mr.  Reed  is 
prompt,  reliable  and  obliging. 

This  representative  business  man  is  a  native  of 
Bristol,  Connecticut,  and  is  an  expert  in  every 
branch  of  his  business,  and  the  faith  in  his  busi- 
ness integrity  and  worth  which  universally  ob- 
tains is  abundantly  warranted.  He  is  a  genial, 
courteous  dealer,  and  has  developed  a  trade  of 
large  proportions. 

GAGE    &    BANKS,    BROKERS, 

United  Bank  Building,  Danbury, 

Stocks,   Provisions,    and  Petroleum. 

(Also  at  Bridgeport.) 

Wm.  H.  Hawley,  Wholesale  aud  Retail  Drug- 
gist, White  and  Ives  Streets. — In  detailing  the 
various  pursuits  and  enterprises  which  are  car- 
ried on  here  and  which  together  combine  to 
make  Danbury  one  of  the  important  cities  in  the 
State,  it  would  ill  become  us  to  omit  mention  of 
the  establishment  carried  on  by  Wm.  H.  Hawley, 
which  although  of  but  very  recent  inception  has 
at  once  sprung  into  public  favor. 

The  premises  occupied  for  the  business  are  lo- 
cated at  the  corner  of  White  and  Ives  streets  and 
comprises  two  stores  of  the  building  measuring 
each  24x100  feet  in  dimensions. 

This  business  was  established  by  its  present 
proprietor  in  the  fall  of  1886.  and  through  his 
native  ability  and  perseverance  has  so  rapidly  in- 
creased that  to  day  he  controls  a  large  wholesale 
and  retail  trade  in  all  kinds  of  Drugs,  Medicines 
and  Chemicals.  Mr.  Hawley  is  a  practical  and 
thorough  druggist  and  the  public  are  assured 
that  only  pure  and  unadulterated  drugs  are  here 
offered  for  sale. 

The  extent  to  which  this  business  has  reached 
requires  the  employment  of  several  very  compe- 
tent assistants  and  the  business,  which  is  under 
the  direct  supervision  of  the  proprietor,  is  most 
efficiently  managed. 

Mr.  Hawley  is  a  native  of  Danbury.  an  edu- 
cated pharmacist  whose  intelligent  fulfillment  of 
all  orders  may  be  confidently  relied  upon. 


186 


LEADING  BUSINESS  MEN  OF  BANBURY. 


Dr.  J.  C.  Whaley,  Operative  and  Mechanical 
Dentist,  over  Hawley's  Drug  Store,  Main  Street. 
— No  better  illustration  of  the  perfection  which 
has  been  attained  in  dentistry  can  be  found,  than 
by  an  inspection  of  the  establishmtnt  conducted 
and  managed  by  Dr.  J.  C.  Whaley,  operative  and 
mechanical  Dentist,  which  ever  since  its  inception 
has  been  recognized  as  among  the  leading  dental 
establishments  in  Danbury. 

This  enterprise  was  founded  in  1886  by  its  pres- 
ent proprietor  and  the  premises  utilized  by  him  are 
now  located  over  Mr.  Hawley's  drug  store  on 
Main  street,  opposite  to  the  new  City  Hall. 

Dr.  Whaley  is  a  thoroughly  practical  dentist 
whose  excellent  work  and  skill  displayed  in  the 
various  branches  of  his  art,  has  won  for  him  a 
wide-spread  reputation.  His  hours  are  from  8 
a.  m.  to  6  p.  m.,  and  all  in  need  of  any  assistance 
in  this  line  will  find  him  a  dentist  worthy  their 
utmost  confidence. 

Dr.  Whaley  is  a  native  of  Danbury,  possessing 
a  thorough  knowledge  of  all  the  details  of  the 
dental  art,  being  a  graduate  of  the  New  York 
College  of  Dental  Surgery.  He  has  met  with  suc- 
cess and  prosperity  hitherto,  which  will  doubt 
less  continue  so  long  as  he  remains  engaged  in 
this  pursuit. 

Wooster  House,  Leonard  &  Co.,  Proprietors, 
corner  Main  and  White  Streets. — The  Wooster 
is  by  general  consent  one  of  the  most  popular 
and  eligibly  located  hotels  in  Danbury,  being  sit- 
uate midway  between  the  railroad  depots  and 
in  the  business  centre  of  the  town. 

The  hotel  was  first  opened  to  the  public  thirty- 
five  years  ago,  and  until  April  last  it  was  con- 
ducted by  Mr.  W.  W.  Raymond,  since  which 
time  Messrs.  Leonard  &  Co.  have  refurnished  the 
house  throughout  and  have  thus  greatly  im- 
proved the  establishment.  Under  the  present 
regime  the  hotel  has  been  made  a  model  of  ele- 
gance and  convenience  throughout.  It  is  fur- 
nished with  every  modern  improvement,  and  at 
prices  charged  there  is  not  a  more  desirable  hos- 
telry in  New  England.  Seventy  large  sleeping 
rooms  are  furnished  in  the  most  elegant  manner, 
and  the  cuisine  and  manner  of  service  are  supe- 
rior in  every  particular.  An  excellent  bar  and 
fine  billiard  room  are  features  of  the  hotel,  and 
the  sample  rooms  provided  for  traveling  salesmen, 
make  this  a  popular  stopping  place  for  this  class 
of  trade. 

Messrs.  W.  H.  Leonard,  S.  P.  Booth  &  J.  S. 
Bliss  are  the  proprietors  of  this  well  conducted 
.hotel.     It  is  under  the  immediate  management 


of  Mr.  W.  H.  Leonard,  a  courteous,  competent 
and  popular  host,  whose  pleasure  consists  in 
providing  for  the  comfort  and  happiness  of  his 
guests. 

Mr.  Bliss  is  the  well  known  proprietor  of  the 
Turner  House,  one  of  the  most  favorite  summer 
resorts  of  this  section. 

Mr.  Booth  came  to  this  city  seven  years  ago 
from  New  York  city,  where  he  was  connected 
with  hotel  interests  of  that  city,  but  previous  to 
that,  he  was  five  years  here  in  the  same  hotel. 
He  was  born  in  this  county  and  for  ten  years 
was  with  the  City  Hotel  in  Bridgeport. 

J.  L.  Day.  Dealer  in  Fine  Carriages,  Wagons, 
Buggies,  and  Harness,  Whips  and  Horse  Goods 
generally,  260  Main  street,  opposite  D.  &  N.  R. 
R.  Depot. — Experienced  horsemen  know  how 
essential  is  a  proper  vehicle  to  enjoyment  on  the 
road,  for  not  only  the  comfort  of  the  rider  but 
also  that  of  the  horse  as  well  depends  in  a  great 
measure  on  the  character  of  the  carriage  which 
is  used. 

Americans  are  noted  for  combining  lightness 
with  strength  in  many  of  their  manufactured 
articles  to  a  degree  seldom  if  ever  reached  by 
makers  of  other  nationalities,  and  in  no  special 
line  of  manufacture  is  this  more  strictly  true  than 
in  that  pertaining  to  vehicles,  and  particularly  of 
those  designed  for  pleasure  purposes.  The  rage 
amongst  a  certain  class  for  anything  "English" 
has  caused  the  importation  of  quite  a  number  of 
English  carriages,  and  the  least  observing  of  our 
readers  can  scarcely  have  failed  to  notice  the 
difference  between  these  lumbering  contrivances 
and  our  light  and  neat  carriages. 

Residents  of  Danbury  or  vicinity  have  an  ex- 
cellent chance  to  inspect  and  procure  the  latest 
productions  in  this  line  as  what  is  believed  to  be 
the  largest  stock  of  Carriages,  WTagons,  Buggies, 
etc.,  in  Western  Connecticut,  is  carried  by  Mr. 
J.  L.  Day  at  his  establi-hmeut  No.  260  Main 
street. 

This  gentleman  began  business  three  years  ago, 
and  by  the  excellence  of  his  goods  and  the  low- 
ness  of  his  prices  has  established  a  large  and 
growing  business. 

The  store  is  76x75  feet  in  dimensions,  and  con- 
tains in  addition  to  the  goods  mentioned  a  fine 
assortment  of  Harness,  Whips,  Ladies'  and  Gen- 
tlemen's Riding  Saddles  and  horse  goods  in  gen- 
eral. All  kiuds  of  Harness  are  made  to  order  at 
reasonable  prices. 

Mr.  Day  was  born  in  this  city,  and  is  verywTell 
knowm  here. 


I 


I 


University  of 
Connecticut 

Libraries 


: 


.othiers,  Outfitters,  and  Hatters. 

The  finest  Domestic  and   Foreign   Fabrics  in 

READY-MADE  CLOTHING 

always  in  the  Newest  Fashions. 

CHILDREN'S  CLOTHING  A  SPECIALTY. 

Novelties  in   Men's  Outfitting^,  consisting  of 

DRESS  and  FLANNEL  SHIRTS,  UNDERWEAR,  NECKWEAR, 
HOSIERY,  SILIv  UMBRELLAS,  CANES,  &©.,  &c, 

from   the   best   Makers  of  all  countries. 

ANDREW    F.  WEST,   Manager. 


:.  -'^jiww 


